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the mitochordria's main job is to produce energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate
(ATP). The cell uses this energy to perform the specific work necessary for cell survival and function.The raw materials
used to generate ATP are the foods that we eat. The breaking down of food into simpler molecules such as carbohydrates, fats,
and protein is called metabolism These molecules are transferred into the mitochondria, where processing occurs. The
reactions within the mitochondria produce specific molecules that can have their electrical charges separated within the inner
mitochondrial membrane. These charged molecules are processed within the five electron transport chain complexes to finally
combine with oxygen to make ATP. The process of the charged substances combining with oxygen is called oxidation, while
the chemical reaction making ATP is called phosphorylation. The overall process is called oxidative phosphorylation.
The product produced by this process is ATP.
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The Formula for The mitochondria
This process is diagrammed in the cartoon. Mitochondria replicate much
like bacterial cells. When they get too large, they undergo fission. This involves a furrowing of the inner and then the outer
membrane as if someone was pinching the mitochondrion. Then the two daughter mitochondria split. Of course, the mitochondria
must first replicate their DNA. This will be discussed in more detail in the next section. An electron micrograph depicting
the furrowing process is shown in these figures.
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