The appearance, ultrastructure and function of mitochondria.

Mitochondrion are the organelles where aerobic respiration takes place.

The stages of respiration that take place there require enzymes, so there is DNA that allows the cell to manufacture its own proteins (enzymes.) This DNA is held in the matrix; a material that also contains proteins and lipids.

Not to scale

A mitochondria has a double membrane: the two both control the movement of substances in and out of the cell. The inner membrane provides the surface area for the reactions in respiration: it is folded many times into cristae to create a large surface area. This area is covered in the enzymes needed for respiration.

Not to scale