The Mitochondria as seen here is a vital organelle in our cells. It is where the energy that we consume as food is transformed into chemical energy that our cells can use to do all the things our bodies do to keep us alive, and keep us moving and thinking. The chemical energy is known as ATP, or Adenosine Triphosphate.
The mitochondria has several folds of inner and outer membrane inside the bean like organelle. At these folds, little energy factories exist. The many folds of membrane inside each mitochondria ensures that inside one organelle, lots and lots of energy can be made. Without these folds, energy production may not be as efficient and productive. Amazing that our bodies are just made that way!!!
The mitochondria has several folds of inner and outer membrane inside the bean like organelle. At these folds, little energy factories exist. The many folds of membrane inside each mitochondria ensures that inside one organelle, lots and lots of energy can be made. Without these folds, energy production may not be as efficient and productive. Amazing that our bodies are just made that way!!!
The chemical equation for energy production otherwise known as CELLULAR RESPIRATION
The formula below you might recognize as photosynthesis. It is the use of CO2, water, and the sun's energy by plants to produce O2, and "Sugar" or carbohydrates (food). The beauty of this cycle is when we add the other half ... Cell respiration, which can also be known as cell "breathing". Animals eat food (glucose/sugars/carbohydrates), breathe in oxygen and this is processed by the Mitochondria to produce CO2 (which we exhale as waste), water, and ATP energy. Below are two ways you can see this equation. They are the same: | The cool part about all of this is that its a never-ending cycle. Beautiful in its simplicity, but also fascinating when you get down to the real details of how this all takes place (Grade 11 biology!) |
The following video will take you through, step-by-step the process of photosynthesis and cell-respiration. It is a bit long and a bit slower, but by the end of it, you will have a clear understanding of these two processes and how they keep us going!