Mitochondrion Structure

This perspective of the structure of a mitochondrion is modeled after a perspective in Audesirk & Audesirk. It depicts an individual, sausage-shaped mitochondrion, which are typically 1 to 4μ long. There is a great variety in structure including tubular structures with multiple branches. They can divide by fission and fuse into complex structures. Karp has electron micrographs of several varieties. The common elements include an outer membrane that is porous, penetrated by integral proteins called porins. They also include much less porous inner membranes formed in double-layered membranous sheets called cristae.