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Oxidation and Reduction
Quiz by REEM ABDULHAMEED ABBAS
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Oxidation and Reduction Processesoxidation and reduction 10 MCQOxidation and Reduction Review1. The following are ingredients in preparing pumping solution, EXCEPT; a. 5 kgs ham leg c. 1 cup saturated salt solution b. one tablespoon sugar d. 2 drops maplein 2. What is the value in grams of 6.4% refined salt if the amount of pork meat is 1 kilogram? a. 64 grams c. 640 grams b. 6.4 kilograms d. 6,400 grams 3. What is the main purpose of curing meat? a. To tenderize it c. To add color to it b. To prevent spoilage d. To increase its weight 4. What is the advantage of using pumping pickle over cover pickle and dry cure mixtures? a. It reduces the curing time. b. It enhances the flavor. c. It controls the concentration of salt. d. All of the above 5. What is the function of phosphate in curing solutions? a. It increases the water-holding capacity of the meat. b. It inhibits the growth of bacteria. c. It prevents oxidation of fat. d. It improves the texture of the meat. 6. What is the function of carrageenan in curing solutions? a. It acts as a thickener. b. It acts as a binder. c. It acts as a stabilizer. d. All of the above 7. In coloring salted eggs, how many teaspoons of vinegar must be added? a. 1 teaspoon b. 2 teaspoons c. 3 teaspoons d. 4 teaspoons 8. The following are factors that must be considered in packaging eggs. a. quality maintenance b. packaging design c. type of transport d. cost 9. In type 3 packaging material for eggs, what type of materials can these be made? a. burlap b. plastic c. paper board d. polystyrene 10. How many hours must be needed to bake the ham in an oven? a. 5 hours b. 3 hours c. 4 hours d. 2 hours 11. What is the ideal temperature of a smoke fish when storing it at home inside a refrigerator? a. 30℃ b. 38 ℃ c. 100 ℃ d. 50 ℃ 12. The following are ingredients for curing meat EXCEPT a. salt b. sugar c. vinegar d. cooking oil 13. What is the maximum period for commercial salted duck eggs? a. 18 days b. 21 days c. 14 days d. 30 days 14. What type of curing method is needed when fatty fish such as herring is being used? a. pickle curing b. dry curing c. cover pickle curing d. Pumping pickle curing 15. In making a pork ham, how many quarts of water must be needed to bring it to a boil? a. 2 quarts b. 3 quarts c. 4 quarts d. 5 quarts 16. In making a homemade skinless pork longganisa, what is the percentage of pork fats and lean meat? a. 20% fats, 80% lean meat b. 30% fats, 70% lean meat c. 40% fats, 60 lean meat d. 50% fats, 50% lean meat 17. It is a systematic procedure of producing a record for reference A. output C. documentation B. production report D. input 18. Anything produced, especially through a process, a product, a yield. A. documentation C. output B. input D. production report 19. It is the process of capturing data or translating information to a recording format. A. documentation C. production report B. reporting D. output 20. What is the value in grams of 6.4% refined salt if the amount of pork meat is 1 kilogram? a. 64 grams c. 640 grams b. 6.4 kilograms d. 6,400 grams 21. What is the difference between pumping pickle and cover pickle? a. Pumping pickle is injected into the meat, while cover pickle is poured over it. b. Pumping pickle is made with vinegar, while cover pickle is made with water. c. Pumping pickle is used for whole cuts of meat, while cover pickle is used for sliced meat. d. Pumping pickle is a dry mixture, while cover pickle is a liquid solution. 22. What is the main ingredient of dry cure mixtures? a. Sugar b. Salt c. Spices d. Phosphate 23. What is the function of vitamin C powder in curing solutions? a. It acts as an antioxidant. b. It enhances the color of the meat. c. It accelerates the curing reaction. d. All of the above 24. What is the ideal temperature for storing cured meat? a. Below 0°C b. Between 0°C and 4°C c. Between 4°C and 10°C d. Above 10°C 25. The following are advantages of packaging shell eggs EXCEPT. a. It protects against micro-organisms such as bacteria b. It prevents the loss of moisture. c. It protects the eggs from possible crushing while being handled, stored, or transported. d. It prolong the shelf life of the eggs. 26. How many pieces of eggs can be filled in a type 2 packaging materials, filler tray? a. 36 b. 12 c. 30 d. 24 27. How many hours must be needed in smoking ham? a. 10 to 19 hours b. 5 to 9 hours c. 15 to 24 hours d. 20 to 29 hours 28. It is a food packaging method that removes all air from a food-filled, plastic film package before sealing it. a. smoking b. drying c. vacuum packing d. weighing 29. Which is NOT TRUE about packaging a smoked fish? a. Sort cooled smoked fish according to size b. Pack or transfer smoked fish in bulk packaging materials by arranging the fish head and tail in any position. c. When the packaging material is nearly full, weigh the whole pack to check the product weight attained. d. Close or seal the packs. 30. The following nutrients can be found in an egg, EXCEPT. a. vitamins b. minerals c. omega 3 d. amino acids CELLULAR RESPIRATION CELLULAR RESPIRATION What is it? Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose (a simple sugar) and other organic molecules to release energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which powers cell activities. Overall equation: C6H12O6 + 6O2 ⟶ 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP (energy) Stages of Cellular Respiration 1. Glycolysis (in the cytoplasm) • Where it happens: Cytoplasm (outside mitochondria) • What happens: o One molecule of glucose (6 carbons) is split into two molecules of pyruvate (3 carbons each). o 2 ATP are used to start the process. o 4 ATP are produced (net gain = 2 ATP). o 2 NADH (electron carriers) are also produced. Summary of glycolysis products per glucose: • 2 ATP (net gain) • 2 NADH • 2 Pyruvate 2. Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle) (in the mitochondrial matrix) • Where it happens: Mitochondrial matrix • What happens: o Each pyruvate (3C) is converted to acetyl-CoA (2C) before entering the cycle. o Acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetate (4C) to form citric acid (6C). o Through a series of enzyme-controlled reactions, citric acid is broken down, releasing CO₂, ATP, NADH, and FADH₂. Summary of Krebs Cycle products (per 2 pyruvates): • 2 ATP • 6 NADH • 2 FADH₂ • 4 CO₂ (exhaled as waste) 3. Electron Transport Chain (ETC) & Oxidative Phosphorylation (in the inner mitochondrial membrane) • Where it happens: Inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae) • What happens: o NADH and FADH₂ donate high-energy electrons to proteins in the ETC. o As electrons move through the chain, protons (H⁺) are pumped across the membrane, creating a proton gradient. o This gradient powers ATP synthase, which makes lots of ATP (like a turbine powered by flowing water). o Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, combining with electrons and hydrogen to form water (H₂O). Summary of ETC products: • About 34 ATP • H₂O Total Energy Yield from One Glucose (Aerobic Respiration) • Glycolysis → 2 ATP • Krebs Cycle → 2 ATP • ETC → ~34 ATP Total: ~38 ATP (usually 36 in eukaryotes due to energy costs) Anaerobic Respiration (When Oxygen is Absent) If oxygen is not available, cells switch to fermentation: • Alcoholic Fermentation (yeast & some bacteria): pyruvate → ethanol + CO₂ • Lactic Acid Fermentation (muscles & some bacteria): pyruvate → lactic acid These processes only make 2 ATP per glucose, much less efficient than aerobic respiration. Key Takeaway: Cellular respiration is like the cell’s power plant: glycolysis breaks glucose into smaller pieces, the Krebs cycle extracts more high-energy electrons, and the ETC uses those electrons to generate the bulk of ATP. Oxygen is essential for the final step, which is why we need to breathe to stay alive.LESSON 4. Cellular Respiration • Define cellular respiration • Identify the stages of clan respiration You have just learned how the energy from the sun is captured, processed, and stored in the form of glucose. Cellular respiration, another important life process, is the means by which cells release the stored energy in glucose to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The primary goal of this life process is to convert stored energy into usable form, such as ATP, for the cells to carry out their functions. Cellular respiration involves several chemical reactions. The reactions can be summed up in the following equation: C6 H12 O6 + 602 ----- 6 CO₂ +6H₂O + ATP Glucose oxygen carbon dioxide water energy Aerobic respiration reactions, or cellular respiration that takes place in the presence of oxygen, can be grouped into three stages glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain (ETC). Stage 1: Glycolysis Glycolysis is the process that breaks down one molecule of 6-C glucose into 3-C pyruvates or pyruvic acids. It also releases four molecules of ATP. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. The following is the step-by-step process of glycolysis. Take note that several enzymes are involved in this process. 1. The first step of glycolysis requires energy. It can only proceed when the two ATP molecules donate energy to the glucose by transferring a phosphate group with the help of an enzyme, producing glucose 6-phosphate 2. Then, a specific enzyme promotes the rearrangement of the atoms, producing the fructose 6-phosphate. 3. The action of the enzyme in step 2 promotes the transfer of a phosphate group from another ATP molecule, forming fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. 4. The resulting fructose 1,6-bisphosphate molecules, with the help of another enzyme, splits into two molecules, each with three carbon backbones. These two sugars are dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. 5. Another important enzyme then rapidly interconverts the molecules of dihydro-xyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. This produces two molecules of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate or 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde (PGAL) 6. The succeeding step involves another enzyme-mediated action. The hydrogen (H) from PGAL is transferred to the oxidizing agent, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which forms NADH. A phosphate (P) is also added from the cytosol of the cell to oxidize the two molecules of PGAL, forming two 1.3-bisphosphoglycerate. 7. A phosphate (P) from 1,3-biphosphoglycerate is transferred to ADP to form ATP. This happens for each of the two 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate. resulting to a yield of two ATP and two 3-phosphoglycerate molecules. 8. A phosphate is transferred from 3-phosphoglycerate molecules from the third carbon to the second carbon, forming 2-phosphoglycerate molecules A hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl ((OH) group is released, which then combines to form water (H2O). The removal of H2O from 2-phosphoglycerate results in the formation of 2- phosphoglycerate molecules. 9. A hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl ((OH) group is released, which then combines to form water (H2O). The removal of H2O from 2-phosphoglycerate results in the formation of two phosphoenolpyruvic acid (PEP) 10. Phosphate (P) from PEP is transferred to ADP (and forms ATP) and the final product, pyruvic acid. This reaction yields two molecules of pyruvic acid and two ATP molecules In summary, a single glucose molecule that undergoes the process of glycolysis produces two molecules of pyruvic acid, four molecules of ATP, two molecules of NADEL and two molecules of H.O. However, only two molecules of ATP are counted as net products since two molecules of ATP are spent throughout the process. Stage II: Krebs Cycle The Krebs cycle, named after its proponent Sir Hans Adolf Krebs, is a cyclical series of enzyme-controlled reactions. This stage of cellular respiration occurs in the matrix of the mitochondria. It is sometimes. called the citric acid cycle (CAC) since it produces citric acid. Citric acid contains three carboxyl (COOH) groups; hence, it is also called the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). This requires the pyruvic acids produced during glycolysis. The main function of this cycle is to produce high-energy-yielding molecules, namely, NADH and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH) that will later on be used in the electron transport chain reaction. Figure 6-7. Summary of glycolysis and corresponding products in each reaction presented (See Appendix F on page 285 for an enlarged and complete version of the image.) An initial process is needed for the Krebs cycle to begin. As a pyruvate molecule from glycolysis enters the mitochondrion, it undergoes an important preliminary ate to form acetyl-CoA reaction. Coenzyme-A (COA) combines with pyruvate help of an enzymatic complex. This conversion also produces CO, and NADH. The Krebs cycle is summarized as follows. Take note that several enzymes are involved in this process. 1. The Krebs cycle technically begins when the acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetic acid (OAA), a 4-C molecule, to produce citric acid, a 6-C molecule. 2. With the aid of an enzyme, the citric acid now goes through a series of reactions that releases energy. Water molecule is removed from the citric acid and is returned in a different location. The-OH group is repositioned, forming the molecule isocitrate. 3. Isocitrate is then oxidized, forming the a-ketoglutarate, a 5-C molecule. The byproducts of this reaction are NADH and CO, 4 The a-ketoglutarate loses its CO, and a coenzyme-A is added in its place. The decarboxylation occurs with the help of NAD, which then becomes NADH. The resulting molecule is called succinyl-CoA. 5. Succinyl-CoA is converted into succinate. Also in this reaction, a molecule of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) is synthesized. The GTP molecule has similar structure and energy properties to that of ATP and is used by cells the same way. The free phosphate group attacks the succinyl-CoA molecule, which detaches the COA. Then, phosphate is attached to GDP to come up with GTP, similar to the process that occur in ATP synthesis (from ADP to ATP). 6. Two hydrogens are removed from succinate, A molecule of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), a coenzyme similar to NAD, is reduced to FADH, as it takes the hydrogens from the succinate. This reaction produces the fumarate. 7. Fumarate is then converted into malate as the addition of a water molecule is catalyzed. The final reaction is the regeneration of oxaloacetate. The resulting byproduct of this regeneration is NADH Recall that two pyruvate molecules were produced during glycolysis, causing the Krebs cycle to turn twice. Each tuts produces three molecules of NADH, single ATH one FADIH, and the by-product CO, which is exhaled. Stage III: Electron Transport Chain The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of photon pumps on the inner membrane of the mitochondrion. Electron transport is the last stage of the cellular respiration. In this stage, the energy from NADH and FADH, from the Krebs cycle is transferred to ADP to produce ATP. This process is generally known as oxidative phosphorylation. This energy coupling mechanism in the cell was revealed by the work of Peter stored energy in the form of proton (1) gradient to phosphorylate (add phosphate) ADP and produce ATP. The pumping of hydrogen sons across the inner membrane creates higher concentration ions in the inner membrane than on the outside of the membrane. This chemiosmotic gradient causes the ions to flow back across the membrane where the concentration of ions is lower. ATP synthase lined in the matrix serve as a channel protein, helping the ions to move across the membrane. The chemiosmotic gradient powers the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP, which also occurs in the ATP synthase. After passing through the ETC, the oxygen, being the final hydrogen acceptor, combines with two electrons and two protons, forming a water molecule. Water is a by-product of cellular respiration and is excreted. MINI TEST 6-3 1. Which energy-releasing pathway yields the most ATF in each glucose molecule? 2. Briefly describe the two stages of aerobic respiration that follow glycolysis: (a) Krebs cycle (b) Electron transport chain Anaerobic Respiration Most cells carry out arrobic respiration when oxygen is present. Aerobic respiration is an efficient process that yields a lot of ATP. However, many organisms thrive in mud, marshes, animal gut, canned goods, sewage treatment pond, and deep oceans where oxygen is scarce. Organisms that can live without oxygen are called anaerobes. Cellular respiration that proceeds without the presence of oxygen is called anaerobic respiration. In the event that the oxygen supply becomes low, aerobic cells also perform fermentation and lactic acid fermentation anaerobic pathways. There are two common anaerobic pathways in these cells, alcoholic fermentation and lactic acid fermentation. In alcoholic fermentation, ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide are produced by some cells using the pyruvate from glycolysis. Each pyruvate molecule is rearranged into acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide, which is eventually released. NADII gives up electrons to acetaldehyde to form ethanol Fermentation is widely used in the industry. Yeast, a fungus used in making bread. can undergo anaerobic respiration. Bakers aux sugar, flour, water, and yeast to form the bread dough. The dough rises due to the carbon dioxide and alcohol released by the yeast cells trapped in air bubbles. Beer and wine manufacturers, we yeast to ferment the sugars in wheat and grape juice, forming alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. In some cells, glycolysis produces two pyruvates, two NADH molecules, and two ATP molecules. Pyruvate itself becomes the final acceptor of the electrons from the NADH that produces the final product: lactate. Oftentimes, this product is called lactic acid. Human skeletal muscles can carry out fermentation when the blood cannot supply the cells with adequate oxygen during strenuous activities. When lactic acid builds up in the muscles, fatigue, burning sensation, and cramps result. Lactic acid will continue to build up until there is adequate supply of oxygen. Lactic acid is then converted back into pyruvate in the liver. Muscles also restore normal functions. Have you ever wondered why milk or cream turns sour after some time? Bacterial cells that undergo fermentation are responsible in producing lactate that turns the milk sour. These bacteria are used in manufacturing yogurt and sour milk products. Fermentation pathways do not breakdown and utilize the glucose completely. ATP is no longer produced beyond the process of glycolysis. Thus, energy produced is just enough for some single-celled organisms, or the energy can only be used by multicellular organisms for a short period.What is a Plant Cell? Plant cells are eukaryotic cells that vary in several fundamental factors from other eukaryotic organisms. Both plant and animal cells contain a nucleus along with similar organelles. One of the distinctive aspects of a plant cell is the presence of a cell wall outside the cell membrane. Plant Cell Structure Just like different organs within the body, plant cell structure includes various components known as cell organelles that perform different functions to sustain itself. These organelles include: Cell Wall It is a rigid layer which is composed of polysaccharides cellulose, pectin and hemicellulose. It is located outside the cell membrane. It also comprises glycoproteins and polymers such as lignin, cutin, or suberin. The primary function of the cell wall is to protect and provide structural support to the cell. The plant cell wall is also involved in protecting the cell against mechanical stress and providing form and structure to the cell. It also filters the molecules passing in and out of it. The formation of the cell wall is guided by microtubules. It consists of three layers, namely, primary, secondary and the middle lamella. The primary cell wall is formed by cellulose laid down by enzymes. Cell membrane It is the semi-permeable membrane that is present within the cell wall. It is composed of a thin layer of protein and fat. The cell membrane plays an important role in regulating the entry and exit of specific substances within the cell. For instance, cell membrane keeps toxins from entering inside, while nutrients and essential minerals are transported across. Nucleus The nucleus is a membrane-bound structure that is present only in eukaryotic cells. The vital function of a nucleus is to store DNA or hereditary information required for cell division, metabolism and growth. 1. Nucleolus: It manufactures cells’ protein-producing structures and ribosomes. 2. Nucleopore: Nuclear membrane is perforated with holes called nucleopore that allow proteins and nucleic acids to pass through. Plastids They are membrane-bound organelles that have their own DNA. They are necessary to store starch and to carry out the process of photosynthesis. It is also used in the synthesis of many molecules, which form the building blocks of the cell. Some of the vital types of plastids and their functions are stated below: Leucoplasts They are found in the non-photosynthetic tissue of plants. They are used for the storage of protein, lipid and starch. Chromoplasts They are heterogeneous, colored plastid which is responsible for pigment synthesis and for storage in photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Chromoplasts have red-, orange- and yellow-colored pigments which provide color to all ripe fruits and flowers. Central Vacuole It occupies around 30% of the cell’s volume in a mature plant cell. Tonoplast is a membrane that surrounds the central vacuole. The vital function of the central vacuole apart from storage is to sustain turgor pressure against the cell wall. The central vacuole consists of cell sap. It is a mixture of salts, enzymes and other substances. Golgi Apparatus They are found in all eukaryotic cells, which are involved in distributing synthesized macromolecules to various parts of the cell. Ribosomes They are the smallest membrane-bound organelles which comprise RNA and protein. They are the sites for protein synthesis, hence, also referred to as the protein factories of the cell. Mitochondria They are the double-membraned organelles found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. They provide energy by breaking down carbohydrate and sugar molecules, hence they are also referred to as the “Powerhouse of the cell.” Lysosome Lysosomes are called suicidal bags as they hold digestive enzymes in an enclosed membrane. They perform the function of cellular waste disposal by digesting worn-out organelles, food particles and foreign bodies in the cell. In plants, the role of lysosomes is undertaken by the vacuoles. Chloroplasts It is an elongated organelle enclosed by phospholipid membrane. The chloroplast is shaped like a disc and the stroma is the fluid within the chloroplast that comprises a circular DNA. Each chloroplast contains a green colored pigment called chlorophyll required for the process of photosynthesis. The chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the sun and uses it to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Structure of Chloroplast Chloroplasts are found in all higher plants. It is oval or biconvex, found within the mesophyll of the plant cell. The size of the chloroplast usually varies between 4-6 µm in diameter and 1-3 µm in thickness. They are double-membrane organelle with the presence of outer, inner and intermembrane space. There are two distinct regions present inside a chloroplast known as the grana and stroma. • Grana are made up of stacks of disc-shaped structures known as thylakoids or lamellae. The granum of the chloroplast consists of chlorophyll pigments and are the functional units of chloroplasts. • Stroma is the homogenous matrix which contains grana and is similar to the cytoplasm in cells in which all the organelles are embedded. Stroma also contains various enzymes, DNA, ribosomes, and other substances. Stroma lamellae function by connecting the stacks of thylakoid sacs or grana. The chloroplast structure consists of the following parts: Membrane Envelope It comprises inner and outer lipid bilayer membranes. The inner membrane separates the stroma from the intermembrane space. Intermembrane Space The space between inner and outer membranes. Thylakoid System (Lamellae) The system is suspended in the stroma. It is a collection of membranous sacs called thylakoids or lamellae. The green colored pigments called chlorophyll are found in the thylakoid membranes. It is the sight for the process of light-dependent reactions of the photosynthesis process. The thylakoids are arranged in stacks known as grana and each granum contains around 10-20 thylakoids. Stroma It is a colorless, alkaline, aqueous, protein-rich fluid present within the inner membrane of the chloroplast present surrounding the grana. Grana Stack of lamellae in plastids is known as grana. These are the sites of conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll It is a green photosynthetic pigment that helps in the process of photosynthesis. Functions of Chloroplast Following are the important chloroplast functions: • The most important function of the chloroplast is to synthesize food by the process of photosynthesis. • Absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy. • Chloroplast has a structure called chlorophyll which functions by trapping the solar energy and is used for the synthesis of food in all green plants. • Produces NADPH and molecular oxygen (O 2 ) by photolysis of water. • Produces ATP – Adenosine triphosphate by the process of photosynthesis. • The carbon dioxide (CO2) obtained from the air is used to generate carbon and sugar during the Calvin Cycle or dark reaction of photosynthesis. Mitochondria “Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles present in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells, that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy molecule used by the cell.” What are Mitochondria? Popularly known as the “Powerhouse of the cell,” mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) are a double membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic organisms. They are found inside the cytoplasm and essentially function as the cell’s “digestive system.” They play a major role in breaking down nutrients and generating energy-rich molecules for the cell. Many of the biochemical reactions involved in cellular respiration take place within the mitochondria. The term ‘mitochondrion’ is derived from the Greek words “mitos” and “chondrion” which means “thread” and “granules-like”, respectively. It was first described by a German pathologist named Richard Altmann in the year 1890. Structure of Mitochondria • The mitochondrion is a double-membraned, rod-shaped structure found in both plant and animal cell. • Its size ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometers in diameter. • The structure comprises an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a gel-like material called the matrix. • The outer membrane and the inner membrane are made of proteins and phospholipid layers separated by the intermembrane space. • The outer membrane covers the surface of the mitochondrion and has a large number of special proteins known as porins. Cristae The inner membrane of mitochondria is rather complex in structure. It has many folds that form a layered structure called cristae, and this helps in increasing the surface area inside the organelle. The cristae and the proteins of the inner membrane aid in the production of ATP molecules. The inner mitochondrial membrane is strictly permeable only to oxygen and ATP molecules. A number of chemical reactions take place within the inner membrane of mitochondria. Mitochondrial Matrix The mitochondrial matrix is a viscous fluid that contains a mixture of enzymes and proteins. It also comprises ribosomes, inorganic ions, mitochondrial DNA, nucleotide cofactors, and organic molecules. The enzymes present in the matrix play an important role in the synthesis of ATP molecules. Functions of Mitochondria The most important function of mitochondria is to produce energy through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. It is also involved in the following process: 1. Regulates the metabolic activity of the cell 2. Promotes the growth of new cells and cell multiplication 3. Helps in detoxifying ammonia in the liver cells 4. Plays an important role in apoptosis or programmed cell death 5. Responsible for building certain parts of the blood and various hormones like testosterone and estrogen 6. Helps in maintaining an adequate concentration of calcium ions within the compartments of the cell 7. It is also involved in various cellular activities like cellular differentiation, cell signaling, cell senescence, controlling the cell cycle and in cell growth. Disorders Associated with Mitochondria Any irregularity in the way mitochondria function can directly affect human health, but often, it is difficult to identify because symptoms differ from person to person. Disorders of the mitochondria can be quite severe; in some cases, they can even cause an organ to fail.Ventilation and Oxidation