Question

Can mitochondria live independently?

Answer 1

Independent existence:

1. It is when an organism/entity can survive without depending on anything.
2. Example- Unicellular organisms.

Mitochondria:

1. It is a rod-shaped, double-membraned structure in the cytoplasm of plant and animal cells.
2. Apart from the nucleus and chloroplast (in plants), mitochondria have their own DNA or genetic material.
3. The outer and inner membranes comprise proteins and phospholipids.
4. The two membranes are separated by an intermembrane space.
5. It is known as the powerhouse of the cell.
6. The inner membrane of mitochondria is folded to form a structure called cristae.
7. Cristae and inner membrane play an important role in ATP synthesis (Electron Transport Chain-ETC).

Functions of mitochondria:

1. It is the site of ATP synthesis.
2. Promotes growth and development of new cells.
3. Aids in detoxification of ammonia in the liver cells.
4. It plays a pivotal role in programmed cell death (apoptosis).
5. It also plays an important role in cell signalling, cell cycle regulation, etc.

Mitochondria living independently:

1. Mitochondria are thought to be evolved from endosymbiont bacteria.
2. However, they can no longer live independently and depend on host cells for their survival.