Mitochondrial matrix

Mitochondrial matrix is the space enclosed by the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is where the citric acid cycle takes place. This matrix is the site of most of the chemical reactions of cellular respiration which produce the majority of ATP during glucose metabolism. The matrix is filled with hundreds of different enzymes, special mitochondrial ribosomes, tRNA, and several copies of the mitochondrial DNA genome. Much of the protein machinery needed for the mitochondria's major functions is coded for by nuclear DNA and imported from the cytosol. However, the mitochondrion has control over the synthesis of some of its own proteins.

Structure

The matrix is the space enclosed by the inner membrane. It contains about 2/3 of the total protein in a mitochondrion. The matrix is important in the production of ATP with the aid of the ATP synthase contained in the inner membrane. The matrix contains a highly concentrated mixture of hundreds of enzymes, in addition to the mitochondrial ribosomes, tRNA, and several copies of the mitochondrial DNA genome.

Function

The major function of the mitochondrial matrix is the production of ATP, as such it is crucially important to cell function. This is done by the breakdown of glucose in the process of cellular respiration. In addition to ATP production, the matrix has several other metabolic tasks, such as the oxidation of pyruvate and fatty acids, and the citric acid cycle.

See also

• Mitochondrion
• Cellular respiration
• Citric acid cycle

References

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  Mitochondrial electron transport chain