The Mitochondria is a vital organelle, which provides energy for the cell, through a process called Cellular respiration. It is often described as the ‘power house’ of the cell.

It is important that you can identify mitochondria under the microscope. They can be 10 micrometers in size, so with the proper staining they are visible with a light microscope.

Mitochondria contain their own DNA and are responsible for their own replication within the cell. They contain an outer and inner membrane, making them a double membrane bound organelle.

Within the mitochondria there are folded membranes called the cristae. Within the Cristae of the mitochondria the electron transport chain takes place. Synthesising 32 ATP molecules.  

The space between is called the Matrix. The Kerbs cycle occurs in the matrix of the mitochondria. This is another vital component to cellular respiration.

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