gen-define-the-function-of-mitochondria-and-give-one-short-worke-d21c

Define the function of mitochondria and give one short worked example.

# Function of Mitochondria **Primary Function:** Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of the cell, responsible for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration. ## Key Functions: - **Energy production** via oxidative phosphorylation - Regulation of cellular metabolism - Calcium storage and signaling - Apoptosis (programmed cell death) regulation --- ## Worked Example: ATP Production from Glucose **Question:** How much ATP does one glucose molecule produce through mitochondrial respiration? **Solution:** Starting with 1 glucose molecule (C₆H₁₂O₆): 1. **Glycolysis** (cytoplasm): - Net yield: 2 ATP + 2 NADH 2. **Krebs Cycle** (mitochondrial matrix): - Yield: 2 ATP + 6 NADH + 2 FADH₂ 3. **Electron Transport Chain** (inner mitochondrial membrane): - 10 NADH × 2.5 ATP each = 25 ATP - 2 FADH₂ × 1.5 ATP each = 3 ATP **Total ATP = 2 + 2 + 25 + 3 = ~32 ATP per glucose** This demonstrates how mitochondria efficiently convert chemical energy from nutrients into usable cellular energy (ATP).