| Abstract: | Mitochondria are separate metabolic compartments within the cell. The functional boundary of the mitochondrial compartment is the inner membrane. This membrane contains the enzymatic apparatus for the electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. The substrate breakdown cycles are localized in the mitochondrial matrix space. Specific carriers are responsible for the exchange of ADP, ATP, phosphate, and intermediates of the citric acid cycle between the matrix space and the extramitochondrial space. The particular importance of the adenine nucleotide transport to the regulation of the energy metabolism of the cell is discussed in detail. |
