MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
-
The mitochondrial membrane refers to the specialized cellular structure that surrounds and encloses the mitochondria, which are vital organelles responsible for generating energy in eukaryotic cells. It consists of two distinct membranes: the outer mitochondrial membrane and the inner mitochondrial membrane.
The outer mitochondrial membrane serves as a protective barrier, separating the contents of the mitochondria from the surrounding cytoplasm. It contains a variety of transport proteins and porins that regulate the entry and exit of ions, metabolites, and proteins into and out of the mitochondria. This membrane also interacts with other cellular organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, to facilitate various functions including lipid metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis.
The inner mitochondrial membrane is highly folded, forming numerous cristae that protrude into the mitochondrial matrix. This intricate folding increases the surface area available for chemical reactions and energy production. It contains a range of protein complexes involved in the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis. Additionally, the inner mitochondrial membrane is impermeable to most molecules due to its high lipid content. It contains transport proteins, such as specific carriers and channels, to selectively transport metabolites across the membrane.
Overall, the mitochondrial membrane is a crucial component of mitochondria, playing a critical role in diverse cellular processes, including oxidative phosphorylation, which produces ATP molecules, thus serving as the powerhouse of the cell.
Common Misspellings for MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANE
- nitochondrial membrane
- kitochondrial membrane
- jitochondrial membrane
- mutochondrial membrane
- mjtochondrial membrane
- mktochondrial membrane
- motochondrial membrane
- m9tochondrial membrane
- m8tochondrial membrane
- mirochondrial membrane
- mifochondrial membrane
- migochondrial membrane
- miyochondrial membrane
- mi6ochondrial membrane
- mi5ochondrial membrane
- mitichondrial membrane
- mitkchondrial membrane
- mitlchondrial membrane
- mitpchondrial membrane
- mit0chondrial membrane
Etymology of MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANE
The etymology of the word "mitochondrial membrane" comes from two main roots.
1. Mitochondrial: The term "mitochondrial" originates from the Greek word "mitos" meaning "thread" and the Greek word "khondrion" meaning "a small granule". These two words are combined to form "mitochondrion", which refers to the organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells that are responsible for producing energy through oxidative respiration. The term "mitochondrial" refers to anything related to or associated with mitochondria.
2. Membrane: The word "membrane" comes from the Latin word "membrana", meaning "parchment" or "thin skin". It is derived from the Latin word "membrum", meaning "limb" or "part".
