What is the characteristics of mitochondria …

Mitochondria are organs of special importance. These organelles are absolute requirements to sustain the physiological activities of the cells.
1. They are typically sausage shaped or cylindrical shaped.
2. Each mitochondrion is a double membrane - bound structure with the outer membrane and the inner membrane dividing its lumen distinctly into two compartments, I.e., the outer compartment (perimitochindrial space) and the inner compartment matrix).
3. They are present in almost all the cells of the body except in Red Blood Cells.
4. They are freely floating in the cytoplasm and and stay in the regions of high energy requirement.
5. Mitochondria are self replicable i.e. they can multiply on their own without the requirement of cell to divide.
This characteristic feature helps replacement of old, worn out and damaged mitochondria with new and healthy mitochondria.
6. Mitochondria have their own genetic material as single stranded DNA.
7. The mitochondria have many enzyme complex which in series help in formation of energy i.e. adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP).