Question

What process occurs in the mitochondria?

Answer 1

Hint: Mitochondria is the “Powerhouse of the cell’. It is a double membrane structure with an inner membrane and an outer membrane. Between both the membranes is the mitochondrial lumen that is the site of the synthesis of ATP.

Complete answer:
Mitochondria is the main site for cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a process by which the glucose in the body is broken down to synthesize ATP molecules which are the “Energy currency” of the cell. Three major cycles occur in mitochondria to provide energy. These are:
Glycolysis
TCA Cycle, and
Oxidative Phosphorylation
Glycolysis is a ten-step long process that converts six-carbon glucose molecules into two three-carbon pyruvate molecules. This is the process that invests two ATP molecules to give out another two ATP molecules.
After the conversion of pyruvate, it undergoes the TCA cycle that produces various substrates used in other metabolic processes and releases NADPH, carbon dioxide, and ATP molecules. It also releases Hydrogen ions that create a potential gradient.
These electrons undergo the electron transport chain down the potential gradient yielding ATP molecules and the hydrogen ions bond with the nascent oxygen molecules present at the end of the electron transport chain that form water molecules. The presence of ATP synthase in the mitochondria helps in the formation of ATP molecules.

Note:
The carbon cycle is defined as the pathways through which carbon is recycled out of the atmosphere. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two very essential parts of the carbon cycle. Cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide out in the atmosphere while photosynthesis absorbs this carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.