- Cell Wall
- Cytoplasm and Cell Organelles
- Nucleus
- Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Mitochondria
- Golgi Apparatus
- Lysosomes
- Plastids and Chloroplasts
- Vacuoles
- Prokaryote and Eukaryote
- Fluid Mosaic Model
For the complete syllabus, check out our PMDC MDCAT Syllabus 2025 article.
Mitochondria
They are small spherical or plate like bodies present in the cytoplasm of animals and plants.
Location:
Usually present in the region of the cell with the highest rate of metabolism e.g.: in skeletal and cardiac muscles.
Composition
Mitochondria are composed of
- Proteins 70%
- Phospholipids 25%
- RNA 5-7%
- DNA in traces
- Matrix fluid consists of enzymes, ribosomes, salts, vitamins etc.
Overview
Membrane:
- Double
Structure:
- Rod-shaped cell organelles
- Outer membrane: Smooth and porous
- Inner membrane: Folded into a large number of shelf-like cristae
- Matrix: The fluid inside the mitochondria
- Intermembrane space: Located between outer and inner membranes
- Mitochondria can make their own protein, containing their own DNA and ribosomes, thus known as semi-autonomous organelles. They are also self-replicating.
Functions:
- Major sites of aerobic respiration
- Cells with high energy requirements have many mitochondria
- Cristae are the sites of oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport
- Contains most of the enzymes of the Krebs cycle; fatty acid oxidation also occurs here
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