If I could take the role of one organelle, I would choose to be the mitochondria. Though many of you may not know me, as my blog is public, I am quite the powerhouse. The mitochondria and myself share this characteristic. In addition, we both work to not only help ourselves but help others as well. It was and forever will be my destiny to take the role of Megan the mitochondria.
Megan the mitochondria is a fantastic being. In fact, she is so fantastic that she is responsible for most of the useful energy derived from the breakdown of carbs and fatty acids. This useful energy is more commonly known to be the form of ATP.In addition to manufacturing molecules to make energy, mitochondria are involved in other tasks such as signaling, cellular differentiation, cell death, as well as the control of the cell cycle and cell growth. As with all fantastic beings, or organelles in this case, their structure may seem slightly complicated. Although mitochondria can very greatly in size of .5 µm to 10 µm the structures remain very similar across the board. The mitochondria is bound by a double-membrane system, consisting of inner and outer membranes. Folds of the inner membrane (cristae) extend into the interior (matrix) of the organelle itself.
**Insert entertaining and studious information here***Citric acid cycle can be viewed by clicking the link
So basically, enzymes thrive in the matrix of the cell
"The matrix contains the mitochondrial genetic system as well as the enzymes responsible for the central reactions of oxidative metabolism. The oxidative breakdown of glucose and fatty acids is the principal source of metabolic energy in animal cells. The initial stages of glucose metabolism (glycolysis) occur in the cytosol, where glucose is converted to pyruvate. Pyruvate is then transported into mitochondria, where its complete oxidation to CO2 yields the bulk of usable energy (ATP) obtained from glucose metabolism. This involves the initial oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl CoA, which is then broken down to CO2 via the citric acid cycle. The oxidation of fatty acids also yields acetyl CoA, which is similarly metabolized by the citric acid cycle in mitochondria. The enzymes of the citric acid cycle (located in the matrix of mitochondria) thus are central players in the oxidative breakdown of both carbohydrates and fatty acids." - The Cell: A Molecular Approach by Geoffrey M. Cooper
MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE: the struggle is real
Since the mitochondria produce about 90% of our body's energy, a disease of this organelle is very detrimental to the human body. A malfunction in the mitochondria is caused by a genetic mutation, it isn't contagious but can passed along to offspring. When they fail to function, cell injury or cell death may occur due to the loss of energy. It affects the brain, skeletal muscles, heart, kidneys, liver, ect.
Symptoms may include ( but are not limited to):
Poor growth, loss of muscle coordination, visual or hearing problems, developmental delays, diabetes, neurological problems, ect.
Basically, mitochondria dwell in basically every cell in the human body. When the mitochondria fail, the cells fail, then the organs, then ultimately the body itself will no longer have the energy needed to survive.
Much is still unknown about the mitochondria which is probably due to the thousands of proteins that pass through or make up that organelle. This is another characteristic we share. Mitochondria are complicated as are a woman's emotions. But who knows, science will probably be able to explain the mitochondria through and through (and maybe write a book for men on how to understand a girl (like they would read it anyway (: )).
