Molecules & Energy

How mitochondria turn molecules into energy

Every cell in your body runs on energy made from the molecules you eat, and most of it is made inside tiny structures called mitochondria. Step through the animation to see how.

Outer membrane Inner membrane (folded) Intermembrane space Matrix Krebs cycle
Step 1 of 5

Fuel arrives

  • Food molecule
  • NADH (electron carrier)
  • Electron
  • Proton (H⁺)
  • ATP (energy)