How do the small molecules pass through the outer membrane of mitochondria?

Mitochondria are organelles found in the cells of most eukaryotes, including animals, plants, and fungi. They are responsible for producing the majority of cellular energy through the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS).  Mitochondria are nicknamed the "powerhouse of the cell" because they are central to the maintenance of life and the gatekeepers of cell death. They are crucial for cellular processes such as energy production and homeostasis, stress responses, and cell survival.  Mitochondria are small, often between 0.75 and 3 micrometers, and are not visible under the... Show more

Mitochondria are organelles found in the cells of most eukaryotes, including animals, plants, and fungi. They are responsible for producing the majority of cellular energy through the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). 

Mitochondria are nicknamed the "powerhouse of the cell" because they are central to the maintenance of life and the gatekeepers of cell death. They are crucial for cellular processes such as energy production and homeostasis, stress responses, and cell survival. 
Mitochondria are small, often between 0.75 and 3 micrometers, and are not visible under the microscope unless they are stained. They have a double membrane structure, with an outer membrane and an inner membrane, each with different functions. The two membranes divide the organelle into a narrow intermembrane space and a much larger internal matrix. 
The number of mitochondria per cell varies widely. For example, in humans, erythrocytes (red blood cells) do not contain any mitochondria, whereas liver cells and muscle cells may contain hundreds or even thousands. 
Mitochondria replicate by dividing in two, using a process similar to the simple, asexual form of cell division employed by bacteria.

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