The morphology and configurational states of isolated heavy beef heart mitochondria by the freeze fracture technique

Configurational changes of glutaraldehyde fixed heavy beef heart mitochondria are confirmed using the freeze fracture technique. Large amplitude swelling occurred after unfixed mitochondria were suspended in 30% glycerol. Fine structure of the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes is described using unfixed heavy beef heart mitochondria by the freeze fracture technique. The matrix side of the inner membrane appears to be covered with 90 Å particles while the opposite side (cytochromec side) is also particulate covered by a high density of lower profile particles with a smooth underlying mosaic layer beneath. The outer surface of the outer membrane is smooth with particles embedded within the membrane. Possible structure of the membrane is discussed.