Mitochondria does the following roles:
Production of energy:
- The mitochondria is responsible for producing energy that the cell needs.
- It undergoes a process called oxidative phosphorylation where the chemical energy from the consumed food is converted into the form required by the cellular processes
Calcium storage:
- Mitochondria is also responsible for storing calcium needed for the body.
- It stores calcium ions which are vital in fertilisation ,muscle function and blood clotting.
Cell Death:
- Mitochondria plays a vital role in a process called apoptosis by releasing the cytochrome C which is responsible destroying cells.
- It is also responsible for deciding which cells are to be destroyed.
Heat Production:
- Mitochondria produces heat through proton leak process which is called as shivering thermogenesis.