Knowing the 4 Functions of Mitochondria, Not Just Energy Production for Cell Activity

Mitochondria (psychologicalscience.org)

YOGYAKARTA - Mitochondria is one of the cell organelles that has a very vital role for life. This organelle is often referred to as the cell's energy generator because of its function in producing energy needed for various cell activities. Almost all types of human cells have mitochondria to support their survival.

Mitochondria produce most of the adenosine triphosphate or ATP which is the main source of energy for the cell. But the function of mitochondria is not only limited to energy production, there are a number of other functions. So what are the functions of mitochondria? Reported from Mediacal News Today, here is the discussion.

Mitochondrial Functions

Mitochondria have a number of other functions besides energy production. In fact, only 3 percent of the genes needed to make mitochondria are used for energy production equipment. Most are involved in other functions for the type of cell where the mitochondria are located. Here are some of the functions of mitochondria.

Produce Energy

The best known function of mitochondria is to produce energy in the form of ATP. ATP is often referred to as the unit of molecular currency because it powers metabolic processes. Most ATP is produced in the mitochondria through a series of reactions, known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle.

The Krebs cycle produces a chemical compound called NADH. Enzymes in the crista use NADH to produce ATP. The ATP molecule stores energy in the form of chemical bonds. When these chemical bonds break, energy can be used.

Regulating Cell Death

Mitochondria also play a role in the process of cell death or apoptosis. As cells age or are damaged, they are cleaned up and destroyed. Mitochondria help determine which cells will be destroyed.

Mitochondria release cytochrome C, which activates caspases, one of the main enzymes involved in cell destruction during apoptosis. This process is important for removing damaged or non-functioning cells. Thus, the balance of the body's tissues is maintained.

Mitochondrial dysfunction can cause apoptosis to not run normally. This condition is often associated with various diseases such as cancer.

Calcium Storage

Mitochondria play a role in regulating calcium levels in cells. Calcium ions are essential in various processes such as muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release. Uncontrolled calcium levels can damage cells.

Mitochondria absorb calcium ions and store them temporarily. These ions will be released again when needed by the cell. This mechanism helps maintain the internal stability of the cell.

Producing Heat

In addition to producing energy, mitochondria also play a role in the production of body heat. This process is known as thermogenesis. This mechanism occurs a lot in brown fat tissue.

Under certain conditions, mitochondria allow proton leakage without producing ATP. The energy from this process is released in the form of heat. This helps the body maintain its temperature when the environment is cold.

So that's the discussion of the four functions of the mitochondria, follow other interesting articles on VOI.ID. So as not to miss the latest news, follow and monitor our social media accounts!