INTERMEMBRANE SPACE Meaning and
Definition
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The intermembrane space is a term used in cell biology to describe the gap or narrow region that lies between the inner and outer membranes of certain organelles in eukaryotic cells. Particularly, it refers to the space found between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes.
Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles responsible for the production of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The outer membrane serves as a protective barrier for the mitochondria, while the inner membrane contains numerous folds called cristae, which are the sites for various metabolic reactions.
The intermembrane space, located between the two mitochondrial membranes, plays a crucial role in cellular respiration. It acts as a compartment where various protons (H+) are generated, as a consequence of metabolic reactions and electron transport chain processes. These generated protons are then used to create a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is essential in the synthesis of ATP.
Additionally, the intermembrane space also serves as a route for the movement of small molecules, ions, and proteins between the cytoplasm and the mitochondrial matrix. This exchange of molecules is facilitated by specific transport proteins located in the outer membrane of the mitochondria.
In summary, the intermembrane space is the narrow region between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes, playing a critical role in the generation of the proton gradient necessary for ATP synthesis, as well as facilitating the exchange of molecules and proteins between the cytoplasm and the mitochondrial matrix.
Common Misspellings for INTERMEMBRANE SPACE
- untermembrane space
- jntermembrane space
- kntermembrane space
- ontermembrane space
- 9ntermembrane space
- 8ntermembrane space
- ibtermembrane space
- imtermembrane space
- ijtermembrane space
- ihtermembrane space
- inrermembrane space
- infermembrane space
- ingermembrane space
- inyermembrane space
- in6ermembrane space
- in5ermembrane space
- intwrmembrane space
- intsrmembrane space
- intdrmembrane space
- intrrmembrane space
Etymology of INTERMEMBRANE SPACE
The word "intermembrane" is a compound word composed of the prefix "inter-" meaning "between" and the root word "membrane" referring to a thin sheet or layer of tissue that separates spaces or compartments.
The word "space" in "intermembrane space" is a common English term used to describe an area or volume that is unoccupied or available for use. In the context of cellular biology, the intermembrane space refers to the region or compartment that lies between the inner and outer membranes of certain cellular structures, such as the mitochondria.
Therefore, the term "intermembrane space" can be understood as the space or compartment that exists between two membranes. In the field of biology, it is specifically used to describe the region between membranes within cellular structures.
