Oxysomes are found in mitochondria.

- Oxysomes are specialized structures found within the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cell responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
- The term "oxysome" was coined by Palade in 1953 to describe the electron-dense particles observed in the cristae of mitochondria under the electron microscope.
- Oxysomes are also known as "ATP synthase dimers" or "F1F0 ATP synthase dimers" because they contain the enzyme ATP synthase.
- ATP synthase is a large protein complex that plays a crucial role in the process of oxidative phosphorylation, which is the final step of cellular respiration and is responsible for the majority of ATP production.
- Oxysomes are composed of two ATP synthase complexes that are tightly associated with each other, forming a dimeric structure.
- These dimeric ATP synthase complexes are embedded within the inner mitochondrial membrane, specifically in the folds known as cristae.
- The cristae increase the surface area of the inner mitochondrial membrane, allowing for more ATP synthase complexes to be present and increasing the efficiency of ATP production.
- The dimeric structure of oxysomes enables efficient ATP synthesis by utilizing the proton gradient generated during electron transport chain reactions in the mitochondria.
- The ATP synthase complexes within oxysomes work together to convert ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) into ATP by utilizing the energy released from the movement of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- In summary, oxysomes are specialized structures found within the mitochondria that contain dimeric ATP synthase complexes. These complexes play a crucial role in the synthesis of ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.