Single mitochondria normally are scattered in cell cytoplasm. However, in retinal rods and cones they assemble into ellipsoids or into cylinderical sheets in sperm tail. What are physiological implications?
In some cells, mitochondria are selectively concentrated in those areas of cytoplasm with high energy demand. Sperm mid-piece for example, is the site where energy is needed to fuel the tail movement, therefore, mitochondria are concentrated there.
As Syeda explained, concentration of mitochondria at certain sites in particular cell types is a sign of high energy demand at that specific site (e.g. at neuronal synapses). Mitochondrial morphology (e.g. tubular vs. globular), on the other hand, is influenced by a number of factors, and indicate the general role and status of those mitochondria. I would recommend you to read parts of my two reviews (on my profile here) as to what influences mitochondrial morphology and dynamics in various cell types.
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