Question

Give reasons on how is mitochondria designed to produce a large number of ATP?

Answer 1

Mitochondria is a cell organelle present in the eukaryotic cells. It is also called as the powerhouse of the cell. It is involved in the respiration process. It produces large amount of energy rich molecules, ATP. This ATP molecule is required for various metabolic processes of the cell. Mitochondria contain genes for proteins involved in electron transport and ATP synthesis. The inner membrane of the mitochondria contains proteins involved in electron transport and ATP synthesis. At the end of this electron transport chain, the final electron acceptor is oxygen which ultimately forms water. At the same time, the electron transport chain produces ATP. During electron transport, tthe protons are pushed from the matrix to the intermembrane space. This results in a concentration gradient of protons. This concentration gradient is used by ATP synthase enzyme to synthesis energy rich molecule ATP.