Delphinidin

Mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, for it is within them that energy is released from organic molecules by the process of cellular respiration. This energy is needed to keep the individual cells and the plant functioning as a whole. Carbon skeletons and fatty acid chains are also rearranged within mitochondria, allowing for the building of a wide variety of organic molecules. Mitochondria are numerous and tiny, typically measuring from 1 to 3 or more micrometers in length and having a width of roughly onehalf micrometer; they are barely visible with light microscopes.

They appear to be in constant motion in living cells and tend to accumulate in groups where energy is needed. They often divide in two; in fact, they all originate from the division of existing mitochondria. Mitochondria typically are shaped like cucumbers, paddles, rods, or balls. A sectioned mitochondrion resembles a scooped-out watermelon with inward extensions of the rind forming mostly incomplete partitions perpendicular to the surface. The appearance of incomplete partitions results from the fact that each mitochondrion is bounded by two membranes, with the inner membrane forming numerous platelike folds called cristae. The cristae greatly increase the surface area available to the enzymes contained in a matrix fluid.

The number of cristae, as well as the number of mitochondria themselves, can change over time, depending on the activities taking place within the cell. The matrix fluid also contains DNA, RNA, ribosomes, proteins, and dissolved substances.