Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles found in the cells of most eukaryotic organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists. Often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell, mitochondria play a critical role in cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Structure: Mitochondria have a distinctive structure consisting of an outer membrane and an inner membrane, which encloses the mitochondrial matrix. The inner membrane is highly folded into structures called cristae, which increase the surface area available for chemical reactions. The space within the inner membrane is called the mitochondrial matrix and contains enzymes involved in ATP production.
