Mitochondrial Structure

A helpful diagram of a typical mitochondrion is available in Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas, 5th Edition, Figure 1.16.

 

mitochondria.jpg Mitochondria are organelles found in all of our cells except red blood cells.   They are surrounded by two membranes.  

The outer membrane is like many other of our cellular membranes and is relatively permeable to many molecules.   The inner membrane is far less permeable.   Even entities as small as hydrogen ions cannot penetrate the inner membrane unassisted.   The inner membrane contains Complexes I-V.   Between the two membranes is the inter-membrane (or inter-membranous) space, which plays a key role in the pH gradient.   Inside the inner membrane is the mitochondrial matrix.   The inner membrane has many invaginations, known as cristae, which reach into the matrix.

 

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