Mitochondria: a primer

Mitochondria are small specialised structures found inside cells and play an important role the generation of metabolic energy. The inner mitochondrial membrane is highly folded to provide a surface for respiratory reactions.

Mitochondria evolved millions of years ago, when an unlikely alliance was forged between a nucleated cell and its small proteobacterium prey.

This symbiosis was fundamental to the rise of all complex life on earth and 2.5 billion years of evolution later, the 2 cells have become inextricably linked – the proteobacteria becoming the mitochondria, the cell’s indispensable powerhouses.