Changes

   

   

==Mitochondrial DNA==

==Mitochondrial DNA==

The mitochondrion is different from most other [[organelle]]s because it has its own circular [[DNA]] (similar to the [[DNA]] of [[prokaryote]]s) and reproduces independently of the cell in which it is found; an apparent case of [[endosymbiosis]]. Scientists hypothesize that millions of years ago small, free-living [[prokaryote]]s were engulfed, but not consumed, by larger [[prokaryote]]s, perhaps because they were able to resist the digestive enzymes of the host organism. The two organisms developed a symbiotic relationship over time, the larger organism providing the smaller with ample nutrients and the smaller organism providing [[ATP]] molecules to the larger one. Eventually, according to this view, the larger organism developed into the [[eukaryotic cell]] and the smaller organism into the mitochondrion.

The mitochondrion is different from most other [[organelle]]s because it has its own circular [[DNA]] (similar to the [[DNA]] of [[prokaryote]]s) and reproduces independently of the cell in which it is found; an apparent case of [[endosymbiosis]]. Evolutionists hypothesize that millions of years ago small, free-living [[prokaryote]]s were engulfed, but not consumed, by larger [[prokaryote]]s, perhaps because they were able to resist the digestive enzymes of the host organism. The two organisms developed a symbiotic relationship over time, the larger organism providing the smaller with ample nutrients and the smaller organism providing [[ATP]] molecules to the larger one. Eventually, according to this view, the larger organism developed into the [[eukaryotic cell]] and the smaller organism into the mitochondrion.

Mitochondrial [[DNA]] is localized to the matrix, which also contains a host of enzymes, as well as [[ribosome]]s for [[protein synthesis]]. Many of the critical metabolic steps of [[cellular respiration]] are catalyzed by enzymes that are able to diffuse through the mitochondrial matrix. The other proteins involved in respiration, including the enzyme that generates [[ATP]], are embedded within the mitochondrial inner membrane. Infolding of the [[cristae]] dramatically increases the surface area available for hosting the enzymes responsible for [[cellular respiration]].

Mitochondrial [[DNA]] is localized to the matrix, which also contains a host of enzymes, as well as [[ribosome]]s for [[protein synthesis]]. Many of the critical metabolic steps of [[cellular respiration]] are catalyzed by enzymes that are able to diffuse through the mitochondrial matrix. The other proteins involved in respiration, including the enzyme that generates [[ATP]], are embedded within the mitochondrial inner membrane. Infolding of the [[cristae]] dramatically increases the surface area available for hosting the enzymes responsible for [[cellular respiration]].