1. Respiration Process: Krebs cycle and electron transport system of respiration process are completed in mitochondria. It is called mitochondrial respiration as it takes place in the mitochondria.
2. Energy production: ATP is produced in mitochondria. ATP is the source of energy.
3. Protein production: Mitochondria make proteins for the cell.
4. Nucleic acid production: It makes DNA and RNA. It plays a role in heredity.
5. Blood cell and hormone production: It helps in blood cell and hormone production.
6. Contains enzymes: It contains enzymes and co-enzymes required for respiration.
7. Ion balance: They maintain the correct concentration of calcium ions in different parts of the cell.
8. Metabolism: It metabolizes neurotransmitters and cholesterol or fat.
9. Control of apoptosis: Mitochondria control cell apoptosis.
10. Heredity: Mitochondria help in the formation of sperm and egg.
11. Energy regulation: It regulates the storage and release of energy in cells. ADP is converted into ATP and stored in the body by creating high energy bonds.
12. Cation storage: Mitochondria store Ca2+, S2+, Fe2+, Mn2+ etc.
13. Heat production: Mitochondria help in the production of excess heat in hibernating animals.
14. Production of chemical compounds: Mitochondria are capable of creating, breaking down and producing substances necessary for the cell. It produces compounds like cytochrome, ferridoxine, hemoglobin, chlorophyll, steroids, alkaloids etc.
15. Biosynthesis: It causes biosynthesis of iron and steroids in cells.
16. Transport: It is capable of active transport of calcium, potassium etc.
17. Disinfection: It participates in ammonia disinfection.
18. Pathogenesis: Mutations can occur in mitochondrial DNA that cause mitochondrial disorders. 100 such disorders are known. In old age, diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, type-1 diabetes etc. can occur. Proper health is dependent on the structure and function of mitochondria.