Since fermentation occurs in the cytoplasm of yeast cells explain the role of mitochondria in yeast cells ? If anyone can help me this I will truly be graceful

I'd be happy to help you understand the role of mitochondria in yeast cells!

Mitochondria are organelles found in most eukaryotic cells, including yeast cells. They play a crucial role in cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). While fermentation occurs in the cytoplasm of yeast cells, mitochondria are still essential for yeast cells to function properly.

In yeast cells, mitochondria act as the powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. This process involves the breakdown of glucose, a sugar molecule, to produce energy. The glucose is initially converted into pyruvate through a series of biochemical reactions in the cytoplasm, a process known as glycolysis. During glycolysis, a small amount of ATP is produced.

Here comes the vital part: In the absence of oxygen, when fermentation occurs, pyruvate is converted to ethanol or lactic acid, resulting in a limited yield of ATP. However, when oxygen is present, pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria. Inside the mitochondria, pyruvate undergoes a series of chemical reactions, collectively known as the citric acid cycle (also called the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle), to produce more ATP.

Specifically, during the citric acid cycle, pyruvate is broken down further, releasing carbon dioxide and transferring high-energy electrons to carrier molecules. These electrons then enter the electron transport chain, which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane. As the electrons move through the electron transport chain, they release energy, which is used to pump protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This proton gradient is then used by an enzyme called ATP synthase to generate ATP.

Therefore, even though fermentation occurs in the cytoplasm, mitochondria provide the yeast cells with a much more efficient way of producing energy through aerobic respiration when oxygen is available. This enables the yeast cells to generate a higher yield of ATP, which is essential for their growth, metabolism, and various cellular processes.

I hope this explanation helps! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.