Mitochondrial Mysteries
The Origin of Organelles and Cellular Respiration
Author(s)
Abstract
This interrupted case study follows two college freshmen as they learn about the origin and functioning of mitochondria within our cells. The case is divided into two modules that can be taught separately or together. The first considers the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts by examining the endosymbiotic theory, according to which ancient bacteria were initially engulfed by a larger cell and subsequently developed an association that became more obligate throughout evolutionary history. Students critically examine evidence to support this theory by comparing characteristics of each organelle to those of prokaryotes. The second module summarizes the process of cellular respiration by describing where in the cell or within the mitochondria each step occurs, the inputs and outputs, and the importance of creating and utilizing a proton gradient for ATP production. This case study was developed for a first-semester introductory biology course, but could be modified for a high school AP biology course or 200-level undergraduate course focused on cell biology.
Objectives
- Provide evidence to support the endosymbiotic theory explaining the acquisition of mitochondria and chloroplasts by eukaryotic cells.
- Write and revise testable hypotheses.
- Summarize the structure and function of the mitochondria in the eukaryotic cell.
- Describe the outputs and location of each step of cellular respiration within the eukaryotic cell or mitochondria.
- Explain the role of electron carriers, oxygen, protons, and protein complexes in the process of cellular respiration.
Keywords
Endosymbiosis; mitochondria; mitochondrial DNA; cellular respiration; evolution; energy; ATP; organelle; Kearns-Sayre syndrome; eukaryote; prokaryote; electron carrier; chloroplastTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDF, PowerPointType / Methods
Clicker, InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Anatomy | Biology (General) | Cell Biology | Microbiology | Molecular Biology | Physiology |
Date Posted
09/19/2020Teaching Notes
Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.
Supplemental Materials
As explained in the teaching notes, the PowerPoint presentation below is used to guide the case in class. Additionally, an alternative version of the case consisting of the second module only is provided.
PPT Slide Deck (~3 MB)
Alt. Version: Cellular Respiration Only
Answer Key
Answer keys for the cases in our collection are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Videos
The following video(s) are recommended for use in association with this case study.
- How We Think Complex Cells Evolved
This video provides a basic explanation of the theory of endosymbiosis. It details the origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts. Running time: 5:41 min. Produced by Adam Jacobson, animation by Camilla Gunborg Pedersen, TED-Ed, 2015. - Cellular Respiration
This is a short video describing the four stages of cellular respiration. Running time: 2:47 min. Produced by RicochetScience, 2016. - Cellular Respiration and the Mighty Mitochondria
This video is a detailed description of the process of aerobic cellular respiration that includes ATP structure, cellular organization and protein functions. Running time: 7:48 min. Produced by Amoeba Sisters, 2014.