Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, and Protein Synthesis

The structure of chloroplasts also plays a role in the processes that occur inside, such as protein synthesis. The structures of the inner and outer membranes are important because it regulates the passage of small molecules, such as sugar that pass in and out of the chloroplast that can be used for energy. Also, the structure of the thylakoids is a special one specifically made for the capturing of sunlight. The thylakoids are arranged in stacks called grana, making the surface area to volume ratio very high, thus having a greater chance of photosynthesis occurring and more energy being made for the plant. Also like the thylakoids, the entire chloroplast itself has a high surface area to volume ratio, and we can safely assume that the structure of the chloroplast plays a big role in its use and the success of photosynthesis. As for the role of the properties of matter, concentration is one that can play a big role. Simply, if there is a greater concentration of thylakoids, then there will be greater amounts of sunlight captured, thus producing the chance of greater amount of energy for the plant to use. Also, there is one main chemical reaction that occurs in chloroplasts; 6CO2 + 6H2O -– (light) -→ C6H12O6 + 6O2. This is the chemical reaction for photosynthesis, and what it is saying is that carbon dioxide, water, and light are needed to produce sugar (glucose) and oxygen. The created sugar is transported to the mitochondria, and is then turned into energy the cell can use. So, along with cellular structures, properties of matter keep the chloroplasts running smoothly and efficiently.

Like both protein synthesis and chloroplasts, the cellular structure of mitochondria plays a role in its success. Since the membranes are made up of phospholipids bilayers, we know that only certain things, such as needed molecules and glucose, can go in, and unneeded things can be kept out. Also, the folds of the cristae increase the surface area to volume ratio of the mitochondria, thus giving more space for the production of ATP, and a higher chance of its production. The entire mitochondria has a high surface area to volume ration, giving more space for many processes to be occurring at the same time. With these things kept in mind, we can assume that the cellular structure of mitochondria plays a role in the successful development of ATP, and energy for the body. There are also basic properties of matter that can contribute to the success of the mitochondria. Many chemical reactions occur in the mitochondria in order to make ATP, and energy for the cell. Two main processes that occur for the creation of ATP are anaerobic metabolism, in which glcolysis converts glucose into pyruvate but only creates four ATP per glucose molecule, and aerobic metabolism, in which the pyruvate gets oxidized through Kreb’s cycle, and then produces 36 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. Concentration also plays a role in the successfulness of the mitochondria. If there is a greater concentration of matrix (larger amount), then there will be a greater area for the ATP and energy to be produced, thus meaning more energy production. We can safely assume now that both cellular structure and properties of matter contribute to the success of the mitochondria and its role.

As I stated earlier, we are expanding our knowledge on how cells, and processes in cells work. I think that studying both the cellular structure, and basic properties of matter of a certain organelle or process can teach us much more about the way it works.