Lesson Summary:
Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration stages—link reaction, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain. They are double-membraned organelles with a smooth outer membrane and a highly folded inner membrane (cristae), which increases surface area for ATP production. The matrix contains enzymes, mitochondrial DNA, and ribosomes, supporting the mitochondrion's role in energy generation.

Three Things Students Must Learn:

  1. The structure of mitochondria and how each part (membranes, cristae, matrix) supports respiration.

  2. The inner membrane hosts the electron transport chain and is crucial for ATP synthesis.

3.The matrix contains enzymes and genetic material needed for the link reaction and Krebs cycle.