1. Double Membrane: Mitochondria possess a double membrane structure, with an outer membrane and an inner membrane. This is unlike most other organelles, which have a single membrane. The inner membrane is folded into cristae, increasing its surface area for ATP production.
2. Semi-Autonomous Replication: Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA) and ribosomes, enabling them to synthesize some of their own proteins. This allows them to replicate independently of the cell's nucleus, a process known as binary fission. While this autonomy is not absolute (they still rely on the nucleus for some proteins), it sets them apart from organelles that are entirely dependent on the cell's nuclear DNA.
