Study of the ultrastructural organization of the mitochondrial energy apparatus

Tsekhomsky Alexander Vyacheslavovich, Kovtunovskaya Irina Vladimirovna

Mitochondria are two-membrane organoids of eukaryotic cells of animals and some plants, fungi. They are characteristic of both autotrophs and heterotrophs. The number of mitochondria in a cell can vary significantly, depending on the type of cells. Most of them are in cells that perform the most energy-consuming functions (for example, reduction). In the cell, these organelles perform extensive functions related to the oxidation of organic substances and the synthesis of a universal energy source – adenesinetriphosphate (ATP). For this reason, the entire structural organization of mitochondria is adapted to perform oxidative processes. However, the energy function is not the only characteristic of mitochondria. They also participate in the synthesis of steroids and nucleic acids, having the appropriate architectonics for this. In addition, energy can accumulate not only in the form of ATP molecules, but also be emitted into the external environment in the form of heat – thermal function. The paper will consider not only the structural features common to all mitochondria, but also some particulars characteristic of certain types of cells. As well as the evolutionary adaptations that appeared in them in the process of multiple complication. The result of the work is a detailed description of the structure of the mitochondria, which is necessary for further in-depth understanding of the specifics of the transformations that occur in these organelles.

Keywords:mitochondria, structure, architectonics, crystals, membrane