tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post6351751932493362386..comments2023-03-10T03:34:10.940-08:00Comments on Cell Biology Blog: Bioplasten and Henrietta LacksJ.Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117553284795213150noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-35784627968197574912011-05-11T02:00:21.936-07:002011-05-11T02:00:21.936-07:001 What are the current theories regarding the orig...1 What are the current theories regarding the origin of mitochondria?<br />some theories state that the mitochondria came from a different cell, probably some kind of bacteria, it doesn't really make sense though, how could something take on a foreign body and then make it apart of it. for the most part when that happens in other cells it kills them, it doesn't benefit them. also, how would cells get energy before the mitochondria? <br /><br />2 What is the structure of the mitochondrial membrane?<br />it has a double membrane, including an inner and outer membrane. in-between these is extracellular matrix. They are both made of phospholipid bilayers. <br /><br />3 Mitochondria provide several functions in cells, what are they?<br />mitochondria produce energy, they break down substances that are put in the body to retrieve the energy. they are involved in the suicide function of the cell and recycling. they help build ad break down as well in cell function. <br /><br />4 What bacteria do mitochondria resemble the most?<br />the few that i could find were the genomes of bacteria, aerobic bacterias (aka: Mycobacterium Tuberculousis, and some of the Staphylococcus species.) there is still a lot of variation. <br />5 Do all cells have mitochondria?<br />the giardia lamblia doesn't have a full mitochondria, it is able to convert energy in its own way, but it is a variation of a mitochondria, it isn't missing it altogether. prokaryotes don't have them either. <br /><br />6 Why do mitochondria have DNA?<br />the DNA in mitochondria is essential probably to save the mitochondria's butt in case of a mutation. because this is how the story goes: mitochondria is producing energy --> mutation --> it doesn't work --> no energy for cell --> cell dies. --> cell R.I.P its a sad ending. it has to protect against that.Lindseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14040244169890786229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-58330003409114113822011-05-10T12:11:34.449-07:002011-05-10T12:11:34.449-07:00The outer membrane is a phospholipid bilayer conta...The outer membrane is a phospholipid bilayer containing protein structures called porins. The inner membrane is freely permeable only to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water. Its structure is highly complex because of the electron transport system, the ATP synthetase complex, and transport proteins.<br />The most prominent function of the mitochondria is to produce ATP through respiratin and to regulate cellular metabolism.lopez926https://www.blogger.com/profile/04548023042281926772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-45397570344558236942011-05-09T17:25:48.356-07:002011-05-09T17:25:48.356-07:001. The endosymbiotic theory is the leading theory ...1. The endosymbiotic theory is the leading theory on the origin of mitochondria. I do not agree with it. Other than the fact that it is part of the evolutionary model, I was unable to find anything about mitochondrial survival independent of a host. If the mitochondria truly were bacteria, they may have survived on their own for a short period of time and then died as they are dependent symbionts. However, this does not appear to be the case. The speculation around this has to do with the loss of some DNA which supposedly migrated to the nucleus. Extracting DNA from another organism sounds like something a prokaryote would do. Another thing I noticed is that mitochondria only replicate when signalled to do so. Despite having some of the features of an independent cell, mitochondria are totally dependent. Perhaps it could be argued that they surrendered their control to their host, however this is completely self-sacrifical and does not benefit mitochondria as it is non-living on its own. The endosymbiotic theory is mostly backed up by the presupposition that eukaryotes evolved from prokaryotes, but simultaneouly provd false by the lack of benefit for the mitochondria. Also, my theory on obligate symbionts could be totally wrong.<br /><br />2. Mitochondria have a phospholipid bilayer membrane. The outer layer is smooth on both sides, while the inner layer has structures on its inner side called cristae protuding into the mitochondrial plasma.<br /><br />3. Mitochondrial functions:<br />Energy production<br />Cell Apoptosis<br />Production of Metabolic products<br />Metabolic Recycling and Waste disposal<br />Steroid and Hormone Synthesis<br />Homeostasis in Membrane <br />Neural Cell Signalling<br />Oversees maintenance of Cell Lineage <br />http://www.buzzle.com/articles/mitochondrial-function.html<br /><br />4. Mitochondria resemble aerobic bacteria.<br /><br />5. Only eukaryotes have mitochondria.<br /><br />6. Mitochondria may have DNA as they are safe place to keep a self-destruct sequence should the cell's genetic functions become dysfunctional. I think it is a pretty cool design feature. In the evolutionary model, it would be because the bacteria had DNA of its own to begin with, some of which it may have lost.Hannah Kaleebihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16363268792918760735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-8879486172620884272011-05-09T09:01:49.066-07:002011-05-09T09:01:49.066-07:001 Its is believed that mitochondria where "ea...1 Its is believed that mitochondria where "eaten" by a cell in the past vie endosytitosis but instead of processing it like most food it somehow started a beneficiary relationship with this cell much like how holospora contribute to paramecium but what is odd about this relationship is that it happened out of nowhere and the mitochondria somehow already had all the chemical pathways to be able to communicate with the cell an produce the energy that mitochondria do in normal eukariotic cells.<br />2 It reassembles a jelly bean but instead it is folded multiple times this has been attributed to processing energy in slower steps so as not to have all the energy released at once which could kill the cell.<br />3 Their primary function is the production of energy and the processing of substances useful for the cells energy.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16355579207941453256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-2632944744833834942011-05-07T13:33:05.983-07:002011-05-07T13:33:05.983-07:00The origin of mitochondria is to be originally der...The origin of mitochondria is to be originally derived from endosymiotic prokaryotes. The endosymbiotic hypothesis states that mitochondria descended from bacteria, and became incorporated into the cytoplasm. Functions of mitochondria are to provide energy for the cell in the form of ATP through respiration, and also to regulate cellular metabolism. Because the mitochondria provide energy for the cell, it is also known as the “powerhouse”. Other functions of the mitochondria is controlling the level of water and other materials in the cell; and recycling and decomposing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. <br />The mitochondira contains an outer and inner membrane. The structure of the mitochondria membrane is composed of phospholipid bilayers and proteins. The outer membrane is composed of lipids and enzymes. And the inner membrane of contains polypeptides. <br />All cells don’t have mitochondria. Prokaryotic cells don’t have mitochondria.<br />Mitochondria DNA contains 37 genes. Thirteen of these genes provide instructions for making enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, and the rest of the genes provide instructions for making tRNA and rRNA.namynaffithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00022760781987864910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-34646818937643753792011-05-06T14:48:50.180-07:002011-05-06T14:48:50.180-07:001. Right now the popular theory is that anaerobic ...1. Right now the popular theory is that anaerobic cells engulfed a small aerobic prokaryote that began produce energy for then and reproduced within them becoming an organelle. This is supported by the fact that mitochondria contain their own DNA and divide like separate entities within the cell.<br /><br />2. There is an outer membrane that strongly resembles a plasma membrane and an innermembrane that is folded inside the mitochondria and is the site of cellular respiration. <br /><br />3. They primarily trun glucose into ATP. They also are one of the main mechanisms used for a quick apostasis. The mitochondria also recycle molecules and probuce chaperone proteins that repair unfolded proteins from the cell. <br /><br />4. They closely resemble aerobic bacteria. technically I guess they could be called bacteria since they posess all the components of many prokaryotic cells. <br /><br />5. No- Giardia lamblia is a eukaryote that does not have mitochondria. Instead, they have mitosomes, and they are anaerobic. <br /><br />6. Mitochondria need to work fast. They have to constanly be pumping out enormous amounts of ATP and need to be able to shut down the cell quickly if they need to apostate. Having their own DNA could possibly help them operate with greater speed and efficiency.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-32882077655477692372011-05-05T14:29:46.637-07:002011-05-05T14:29:46.637-07:001 What are the current theories regarding the orig...1 What are the current theories regarding the origin of mitochondria?<br />The current theory regarding mitochondria is the endosymbiotic theory. This theory was originally dismissed, but has become more popular in recent years. It is that mitochondria came from specialized bacteria that were released from another bacteria through exocytosis and were then brought into another cell by endocytosis and survived that them became incorporated into the cytoplasm. "The ability of symbiont bacteria to conduct cellular respiration in host cells that relied on glycosis and fermentation would have provided a considerable evolutionary advantage."<br />2 What is the structure of the mitochondrial membrane?<br />There is an outer membrane is a simple phospholipid bilayer which is straight just like normal cell membranes are, then there is an inner membrane which is curved and these curves are called crista. The membranes contain two compartments: the intermembrane space and the matrix.<br />3 Mitochondria provide several functions in cells, what are they?<br />Mitochondria is an energy provider for the cell. It is known by many are the powerhouse of the cell. It produces energy in the form of adenine triphosphate. Mitochondria also control the level of water and other materials in the cell. It also recycles and decomposes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also forms urea. <br />4 What bacteria do mitochondria resemble the most?<br />I already know that mitochondria resemble aerobic bacteria the most. I have been looking and can only find different similarities between mitochondria and bacteria and not actual specific types of bacteria which the mitochondria resemble.<br />5 Do all cells have mitochondria?<br />No, mitochondria are only found in eukaryotic cells. They are not found in single celled organisms or fungi. Just all animal cells.<br />6 Why do mitochondria have DNA? <br />There is obviously a reason that mitochondria have DNA because there can be genetic illnesses that are caused by a mutation in mitochondrial DNA but I really cannot find why. I'll keep searching... I found this is in article "In humans, mitochondrial DNA spans 16,569 DNA building blocks (base pairs),representing a fraction of the total DNA in cells. Unlike nuclear DNA, which is inherited from both parents and in which genes are rearranged in the process of recombination, there is usually no change in mtDNA from parent to offspring. Although mtDNA also recombines, it does so with copies of itself within the same mitochondrion. Because of this and because the mutation rate of animal mtDNA is higher than that of nuclear DNA, mtDNA is a powerful tool for tracking ancestry through females (matrilineage) and has been used in this role to track the ancestry of many species back hundreds of generations."Susan Subrahmanyamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16250435809623306372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-45915652047589797272011-05-04T19:41:47.856-07:002011-05-04T19:41:47.856-07:003 Mitochondria provide several functions in cells,...3 Mitochondria provide several functions in cells, what are they?<br />they keep DNA from mutating, they also provide the nucleus with energy.<br />4 What bacteria do mitochondria resemble the most?<br />they resemble algae, algae as we know doesnt produce oxygen thus it acts as a bacteria.<br />5 Do all cells have mitochondria? yes everything living has it, they have no choice.Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15446287674438854287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-21904452980082197772011-05-02T20:44:42.360-07:002011-05-02T20:44:42.360-07:001 What are the current theories regarding the orig...1 What are the current theories regarding the origin of mitochondria?<br /><br />the origin of mitochondria seems to come from only from other mitochondria it has its own DNA and it seems to live on its own without outside help. Mitochondrial ribosomes and transfer RNA molecules are similar to those of bacteria these only seem to be found in endosymbiotic hypothesis<br /><br />2 What is the structure of the mitochondrial membrane?<br /><br />it contains a cytoplasm, an outer membrane inner membrane, and intermembrane structure, and it also has a matrix. it also has a spce between the two membranes.<br /><br />3 Mitochondria provide several functions in cells, what are they?<br /><br />they are considered to be cellular power plants<br />they do all of these things, signaling,cellular differentiation, cell death.<br /><br />4 What bacteria do mitochondria resemble the most?<br /><br />blue-green algae,because this algae, also does produce oxygen. it also does because it also has two membranes as do most algae's it also has enzymes segregated according to use, as do bacteria. <br /><br />5 Do all cells have mitochondria?<br /><br />All living cells have mitochondria, all living things need energy.<br /><br />6 Why do mitochondria have DNA? <br /><br /> there are 37 dna strands which are all are essential for normal mitochondrial function. 13 of these are like the instruction manual for the mitochondria/if it has its own dna then that might prevent the DNA from mutating although it probly still could mutate ever through it has its own complete set.vjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05766487454885848140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-77553777034425758442011-05-02T20:37:26.091-07:002011-05-02T20:37:26.091-07:001. The endosymbiotic theory states that the mitoch...1. The endosymbiotic theory states that the mitochondria was a free living cell and was taken up by another cell that formed a symbiotic relationship, this was first theorized by Konstantin Mereschkowski. <br />2. The membrane is a double membrane. The outer layer is a phospholipid bilayer that can take in proteins with its porins. The inner layer is freely permeable to only O, CO2, and H2O. <br />3. The mitochondria produces energy, controls levels of particles in the cell and recycles.<br />4. Neither bacteria or mitochondria have a nucleus but both have their own DNA.<br />5. No they do not, only eukaryotic cells have them.<br />im not to sure about number six.Natapeahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01051986197868041757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-81405390219715117282011-05-02T19:42:58.594-07:002011-05-02T19:42:58.594-07:001. Currently the main theory regarding mitochondri...1. Currently the main theory regarding mitochondria origin is the endosymbiotic theory (should be called endocytobiotic theory). This theory says that cells phagocytized bacterial cells. These new phagocytized cells then began to act as energy factories, eventually evolving into mitochondria. <br />2. The mitochondria has two membranes, and inner and outer membrane. <br />3. The outer membrane has a protein-to-phospholipid ratio of about 1:1 by weight. This membrane has integral proteins called porins and allows the passage of proteins into the space between the two membranes. The inner mitochondrial membrane and its protein’s functions include oxidative phosphorylation, ATP synthesis, metabolite transport, protein import, and mitochondria fusion and fission. <br />4. Alpha-proteobacteria resemble mitochondria. This relationship was found by doing phylogenetic analyses of both protein-coding genes and ribosomal RNA genes specified by mitochondrial DNA. <br />5. Eukaryotes are the only cells with mitochondria; however, there are some eukaryotes that do not have mitochondria. These eukaryotes include diplomonads (Giardia), microspordia (Encephalitozoon), parabasalids (Trichomonas). <br />6. Mitochondria might have their own DNA because it gives another layer of control in the cell. Since mitochondria have their own ribosomes it is easier to stop mitochondria function while continuing the other functions of the cell. Maybe mitochondria having their DNA also acts as a way to prevent mtDNA mutation. This would be important in the case of apoptosis. If mitochondrial DNA was mutated and as a result mitochondria lost the ability to apoptosize then there could be major problems in the cell and cancer could spread much more easily. Also because mitochondria self replicate it may require other proteins to be coded by their DNA.Kayla Nochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14142127574918351982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-14681268912465706212011-05-02T15:24:09.099-07:002011-05-02T15:24:09.099-07:00The endosymbiotic hypothesis states that mitochond...The endosymbiotic hypothesis states that mitochondria descended from bacteria. <br /><br />The mitochondria contain two membranes that create distinct compartments within the organelle. The outer membrane is like the phospholipid bilayer, and the inner membrane has folds organized into layers called cristae. These layers increase the surface area of the inner membrane. <br /><br />The mitochondria functions to provide energy for the cell. It recycles and decomposes proteins, fats and carbs and also controls the level of water and other materials in the cell.Jillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12915467093642419513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-73055908272638095792011-05-01T10:46:02.867-07:002011-05-01T10:46:02.867-07:001. Because of their many similarities with that of...1. Because of their many similarities with that of prokaryotes, they are theorized to have been originally derived from endosymbiotic prokaryotes.<br /><br />2. The mitochondria have two membranes (the outer and the inner one), the space between those membranes, a certain substance that divides the inner membrane into different compartments called the cristae, and the matrix, which is the enclosed space in the inner membrane.<br /><br />3. Mitochondria proved the necessary energy for cells to move about, for the production of secretory products, contraction, and cell division. They, in a sense, act as the cells battery, powering them with energy required for these functions.<br /><br />Also, 5. Eukaryotes have mitochondria, but prokaryotes, and such lack them. I guess it would be safe to say that mitochondria are strictly found in eukaryotic cells.Ronnie David Riverahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12942542646747880022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-7230876426588526262011-04-23T17:00:55.943-07:002011-04-23T17:00:55.943-07:001.Endosymbiotic theory: Protists are eukaryotes, ...1.Endosymbiotic theory: Protists are eukaryotes, of course, meaning that their genetic material is organized into a compartment, the nucleus, that is surrounded by membrane, and that they have membrane-delineated organelles. In the warm seas of the ancient earth, the first living things would have been prokaryotes. The endosymbiotic hypothesis for the origin of mitochondria (and chloroplasts) suggests that mitochondria are descended from specialized bacteria (probably purple nonsulfur bacteria) that somehow survived endocytosis by another species of prokaryote or some other cell type, and became incorporated into the cytoplasm. The ability of symbiont bacteria to conduct cellular respiration in host cells that relied on glycosis and fermentation would have provided a considerable evolutionary advantage. Similarly, host cells with symbiont bacteria capable of photosynthesis would also have an advantage. In both cases, the number of environments in which the cells could survive would have been greatly expanded. <br /><br />2.The outer mitochondrial membrane, which encloses the entire organelle, has a protein-to-phospholipid ratio similar to that of the eukaryotic plasma membrane (about 1:1 by weight). It contains large numbers of integral proteins called porins. It contains more than 151 different polypeptides, and has a very high protein-to-phospholipid ratio (more than 3:1 by weight, which is about 1 protein for 15 phospholipids). <br /><br />3.-Production of ATP in two series of reactions: Citric Acid Cycle or Kreb’s Cycle and the Electron Transport Chain.<br />-Production of heat<br />-Storage of calcium ions<br />-Regulation of membrane potential, cell proliferation, and cell metabolism<br />-Initiation of apoptosis or programmed cell death<br />-Calcium signaling<br />-Biosynthesis of heme and steroids<br />-Metabolic detoxification<br /><br />4. The circular structure is also found in prokaryotes, and the similarity is extended by the fact that mitochondrial DNA is organized with a variant genetic code similar to that of Proteobacteria. <br /><br />5. Mitchondria are only found in eukaryotic cells. <br /><br />6. Mitochondrial DNA contains 37 genes, all of which are essential for normal mitochondrial function. Thirteen of these genes provide instructions for making enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. The remaining genes provide instructions for making molecules called transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), which are chemical cousins of DNA. These types of RNA help assemble protein building blocks (amino acids) into functioning proteins.Soul Sistashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11794236159194722209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-10431746385092045172011-04-20T19:28:13.275-07:002011-04-20T19:28:13.275-07:00One of the most popular theories on the origin of ...One of the most popular theories on the origin of mitochondria suggests that mitochondria are actually bacteria that were engulfed by a cell at some point during the evolutionary process. The mitochondrial membrane is a phospholipid membrane with two compartments: the inner and outer membranes. Mitochondria are responsible for energy production in the cell as well as the synthesis of various amino acids. Mitochondria most resemble alpha-proteobacteria and the endosymbiont that created mitochondria (from an evolutionary standpoint) was most likely one of these. Mitochondria are not present in all cells as some unicellular eukaryotes and prokaryotes have no mitochondria. Mitochondria have DNA because they are also responsible for amino acid production. They need DNA in order to create these amino acids.shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10996421232069729877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-48466230687631687712011-01-31T21:14:16.752-08:002011-01-31T21:14:16.752-08:002)Mitochodria has outer mitochodrial membrane, int...2)Mitochodria has outer mitochodrial membrane, intermembrane space,inner membrane,cristae space and matrix. The outer and inner membrance are make of phospholipid bilayers and proteins.<br /><br />3) Mitochodria generate ATP to supply enery for the cell, it control the cell cycle and cell growth. It also involves in the aging process, signaling and cell death.<br /><br />4)Mitochondria has similar genome with bacteria's genomesNha Nguyenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08779055829508374520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-41959232425400614862011-01-29T19:53:45.461-08:002011-01-29T19:53:45.461-08:004) source after source claims that the mitochondri...4) source after source claims that the mitochondria must have been introduced into the cell as a type of aerobic bacteria (cells that require oxygen to synthesize energy). Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB), the Staphylococcus species, and the Streptcoccus species.<br /><br />5) Eukaryotes have mitochondria (except plant cells which contain the green with envy chloroplasts which wish they were mitochondria). Prokaryotes do not have mitochondria.<br /><br />6) "Mitochondrial DNA contains 37 genes, all of which are essential for normal mitochondrial function. Thirteen of these genes provide instructions for making enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. The remaining genes provide instructions for making molecules called transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), which are chemical cousins of DNA. These types of RNA help assemble protein building blocks (amino acids) into functioning proteins." -<br /><br /> Also the DNA in mitochondria seem to be of maternal descent. They rarely, if ever, receive their DNA from the father of the cell (the sperm cell in humans), thus their DNA is less shuffled and changed every generation. This slower rate of change of DNA then the Cell's DNA allows for some interesting information for geneticistsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-50075157671408795962011-01-29T19:53:13.506-08:002011-01-29T19:53:13.506-08:001) according to sources from the Rice University, ...1) according to sources from the Rice University, Dr. Lynn Margulis, in the 1970s, proposed an extra-cellular origin for the mitochondria. There are other instances of symbiotic life where bacteria live inside another cell, thus this theory is not without some basis (but we know that God Himself put the mitochondria in the cell upon creation). The theory states that the mitochondria were incorporated into the early prokaryotic cells."The ability of symbiont bacteria to conduct cellular respiration in host cells that relied on glycosis and fermentation would have provided a considerable evolutionary advantage". -David R. Caprette (caprette@rice.edu), Rice University 19 Jun 2000. Thus because of this ability for the mitochondria to have a good environment to live in, they were able to more greatly able to find suitable environments (the cells). But this theory has some flaws. The mitochondria (bacteria cells) does not have enough DNA to produce all of its needed proteins. The argument (a not very convincing one) is that over the billions of years of it living in the cell, that it progressively lost its complexity and independency. <br /><br />2) The mitochondrial general structure of its membrane consists of an outer membrane, and an inner membrane with and intermembrane space in between. The outer membrane is a simple phospholipid bilayer with protein structures that let small molecules in such as: ions, nutrient molecules, ATP, ADP, and many other molecules. Basically its a pretty simple membrane. The inner membrane, on the other hand, is more complex because it is where the synthesis of ATP takes place. It has all of the complexes of the electron transport system, the ATP synthetase complex, and transport proteins. It has some folds in its design, folding it in and out, creating more surface area for the above mentioned structures. These folds are called cristae. <br /><br />3) Mitochondria in cells have many functions besides oxidative phosphorylation (a metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the oxidation of nutrients to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - wikipedia). Apparently they have DNA , mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes! so they have the ability to produce proteins as well as ATP. Also the cell uses mitochondria to hold a bunch of calcium ions. Strange how the text books usually only say stuff like "they are the 'powerhouse' of the cell", not mentioning the vast responsibilities of these strange organelles. Also they are "involved in building, breaking down, and recycling products needed for proper cell functioning", depending on the specific purpose of the cell. -By Russell P. Saneto, D.O., Ph.D., Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center/University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. <br /> "RECENT STUDIES SUGGEST that mitochondria do much more than generate energy. They are intimately involved in cell signaling, raising a red flag during times of cellular stress, such as when viruses invade or oxygen levels drop. It now appears that subtle abnormalities in mitochondria contribute not only to rare metabolic disorders but also to many common diseases, including chronic hepatitis, cancer, and certain aging-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes." - Howard Hughes Medical Institute This is very interesting seeing the many different areas that biologist are starting to research.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-17574881844109856662011-01-28T20:41:57.156-08:002011-01-28T20:41:57.156-08:001. after looking at a few different website for th...1. after looking at a few different website for the origin of mitochondria, one stood out to me and that was from the Experimental Biosciences website. They said that endosymbiotic hypothesis for the origin of mitochondria suggests that mitochondria are descended from specialized bacteria that somehow survived endocytosis by another species of prokaryote and then became incorporated in the cytoplasm with all the other organelles.<br />2.the inner membrane is permeable only to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water, which i dont know why but i find very interesting!! the outer membrane has almost the same amount of phospholipids as proteins. It has a large number of special proteins called porins, that allow molecules of 5000 daltons or less in weight to pass through it. The outer membrane is completely permeable to nutrient molecules, ions, ATP and ADP molecules.<br /><br />3. the functions of the mitochondria include Cell-specific functions such as building, breaking down, and recycling products needed for proper cell functioning. They also are involved in cell-program death, and Energy production.<br /><br />4.one website that i found said that it resembled a specialized bacteria and i would guess an aerobic bacteria.<br />5. Mitochondria are only present in eukaryotic cells.<br />6.I think they have their own DNA because mitochondria serves so many different functions so the DNA is there to aid the cell in the specificity of its functions.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06317991890571565520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-79443609209841954092011-01-24T20:01:09.473-08:002011-01-24T20:01:09.473-08:001. The evolutionary origin of mitochondria states ...1. The evolutionary origin of mitochondria states that mitochondria is a true bacteria which survives and incorporated into the cytoplasm.My Ai Nguyenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08861686555290280691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-45743667189813780392011-01-24T19:43:43.477-08:002011-01-24T19:43:43.477-08:004. I would definitely have to say that mitochondri...4. I would definitely have to say that mitochondria are most like the aerobic bacteria. According to a website, they both contain their own DNA and they both make their own proteins.<br />5. All eukaryotic cells have mitochondria, but no prokaryotic and no single celled organisms. Actually, not all eukaryotic cells have mitochondria either. Erythrocytes (red blood cells) lack mitochondria when they are first starting out. <br />6. evolutionists believe that "they have separate DNA because they originally evolved as distinct organisms."<br />Another person said this:"To help it to replicate to aid respiration."Bethany Gonzaleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05600088033435176166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-4361237789679895302011-01-24T19:27:16.387-08:002011-01-24T19:27:16.387-08:003. The mitochondria produces energy. Here is inter...3. The mitochondria produces energy. Here is interesting information that I found on the functions of a mitochondria:"The most important function of the mitochondria is to produce energy. The food that we eat is broken into simpler molecules like carbohydrates, fats, etc., in our bodies. These are sent to the mitochondrion where they are further precessed to produce charged molecules that combine with oxygen and produce ATP molecules. This entire process is known as oxidative phosphorylation.<br />It is important to maintain proper concentration of calcium ions within the various compartments of the cell. Mitochondria help the cells to achieve this goal by serving as storage tanks of calcium ions.<br />Mitochondria helps in the building of certain parts of the blood, and hormones like testosterone and estrogen.<br />Mitochondria in the liver cells have enzymes that detoxify ammonia."Bethany Gonzaleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05600088033435176166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-28296051698650177802011-01-24T19:24:44.883-08:002011-01-24T19:24:44.883-08:001. The current theories that I have found so far a...1. The current theories that I have found so far all start with the endosymbiotic theory, which is the theory that suggests that mitochondria descended from bacteria that survived endocytosis by another cell, and became incorporated into the cytoplasm. However, this still doesn’t describe ho mitochondria came about. <br />2. The structure consists of an inner and outer membrane (similar to the paramecium) with a phospholipid bilayers and proteins. There are five major components to the structure of mitochondria: the outer mitochondrial membrane, the intermembrane space, the inner mitochondrial membrane, the cristae space-which is formed by the inner membrane foldings, and the matrix.<br />3. There are many functions of mitochondria, the main one being the production of ATP for the cell. Another main function is to regulate cellular metabolism. Other functions consist of regulation of the membrane protein, calcium signaling, steroid synthesis, and the list goes on. However, the main function is to produce ATP.<br />4. From what I can find, Mitochondria resemble aerobic bacteria which are bacteria that can survive and produce in oxygenated environments.<br />5. No, all cells do not have mitochondria. Only eukaryotes do-animal cells. However, I did find that these few groups of unicellular eukaryotes lack mitochondria. The microsporidians(spore forming parasites), metamonads(flagellate protozoa) and archamoebae(a kind of amoeba) do not contain mitochondria. Not sure how accurate this information is though-wikipedia.<br />6. Mitochondria have DNA because they are essential for the production of mature mRNA’s.brittney.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17566320879758682931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-61927813409116698302011-01-24T19:24:33.641-08:002011-01-24T19:24:33.641-08:002. The structure of the Mitochondria is "The ...2. The structure of the Mitochondria is "The double-membraned mitochondrion can be loosely described as a large wrinkled bag packed inside of a smaller, unwrinkled bag. The two membranes create distinct compartments within the organelle, and are themselves very different in structure and in function." according to one website. The outer membrane is made up of a phospholipid bilayer that contains protein structures which make it hard to get through, only allowing certain things to pass such as ATP and ADP. <br />The inner membrane is much more permeable, allowing more things such as C2O, oxygen, and water to go through.<br />There's also a matrix which contain enzymes.Bethany Gonzaleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05600088033435176166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4255305816059890771.post-38029583286536581112011-01-24T19:20:33.764-08:002011-01-24T19:20:33.764-08:001. THe origin of mitochondria appears to orginate ...1. THe origin of mitochondria appears to orginate from the theory endosymbiotic hypothesis, where they come from a free-living bacteria.<br />2. The mitochondria membrane contain a double membrane. The outer membrande being fairly smooth and the inner contains cristae. <br />3. The main function of mitochondria is to produce energy in ATP. Also helps control levels of water and other materials in a cell. It recycles and decomposes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, forming urea.<br />5. Eukaryotic cells only contain mitochondria.<br />6. They have DNA because then it can know the specifics of that cell heling with a proper function. And for the other things needed for the nucleus.Courtny Ashburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14969859090769925294noreply@blogger.com