Page 23 - The Cell and Its Components
P. 23
Other Functions
In addition to producing energy, mitochondria perform
some other functions for the cell including cellular
metabolism, the citric acid cycle, producing heat,
controlling the concentration of calcium, and producing
certain steroids.
Interesting Facts about Mitochondria
They can quickly change shape and move around
the cell when needed.
When the cell needs more energy, the
mitochondria can reproduce by growing larger and
then dividing. If the cell needs less energy, some
mitochondria will die or become inactive.
Mitochondria are very similar to some bacteria.
For this reason, some scientists think that they
