Within the cell, the glucose is oxidised into carbon dioxide and water by

Each mitochondrion is bound by a double membrane. The outer membrane is smooth and straight, while the inner membrane is thrown into numerous folds called cristae. Thus, the surface area of inner membrane is much higher than the outer membrane. Mitochondria represent the sites of aerobic respiration in a cell. They use molecular oxygen to oxidize glucose into carbon dioxide and water. Oxidation releases energy in the form of molecules of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which are stored and released in the cell. Hence, mitochondria are described as minute powerhouses of the cell.