Question

1. What are mitochondria? What is their structure and function, and where did they come from during evolution? Why are mitochondrial diseases or malfunction problematic to human health?

2. Why are fatigue and “exercise intolerance” (such as Olivia's extreme exhaustion after running) common symptoms of mitochondrial diseases?

3. Why do you think Olivia has symptoms that affect so many different parts of her body, including her legs, eyes, and digestive system? What do you think her prognosis is?

4. Why do you think mitochondrial diseases can run in families like Olivia's?

5. What is your personal opinion about mitochondrial diseases and the implications of this case study. What was the most interesting/significant thing that you learned from this case study? Please explain your answer.

Answer 1

Answer=

1. What are mitochondria

Mitochondria are spherical or elongated organelle in the cytoplasm of nearly all eukaryotic cells,containing genetic material and many enzymes important for cell metabolism.

structure of mitochondria =

1.mitochondria are spherical or elongated in shape.

2.they are made up of 2 membranes i.e. outer and inner membrane.

3.The inner membrane folds over many times and creates a layered structure called cristae.

4.The fluid contained in mitochondria called matrix.

Function of mitochondria =

1.The main function of mitochondria is to perform cellular respiration this means it takes in nutrients from cell,breaks it down ,and turns it into energy.

is called as power house of cell because the process of ATP formation takes place in mitochondria.

2.It helps cells to maintain proper concentration of calcium ions within the compartments of the cell.

3.It also helps in building certain parts of blood and harmones like testosterone and estrogen.

4.Liver cell mitochondria have enzymes that detoxify ammonia.

5.They plays an important role in the process of apoptosis.

Mitochondria comes from during evolution is

mitochondria evolved by specialised bacteria probably purple nonsulfur bacteria by the process of endosymbiosis when bacterium captured by a eukaryotic cell.

mitochondrial diseases or malfunction problematic to human health because =Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria ,

and it is the power house of cell i.e. ATP generation takes place in mitochondria therefore most of the body organs i.e.heart,brain ,muscles and lungs are affected because they they require the greatest amounts of energy.