mitochondria

[ mahy-tuh-kon-dree-uh ]

plural noun

, Cell Biology.

, singular mi·to·chon·dri·on [mahy-t, uh, -, kon, -dree-, uh, n].

1. organelles that are found in the cytoplasm of cells and that function in energy production.

Other Words From

• mi·to·chon·dri·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mitochondria¹

First recorded in 1900–05; from German Mitochondrion (singular), equivalent to Greek míto(s) “thread” + chóndr(os) “grain, seed, cartilage” + -ia plural of diminutive suffix -ion

Example Sentences

It's a core function, but little studied in the setting of cancer immunology, especially when compared to other organelles like the mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum.

From Science Daily

Studies in Italy and Japan indicate centenarians in these countries have more of a special variant of DNA found in cellular power plants called mitochondria.

From Science Magazine

To explore this further, the authors then looked at how different sources of energy are used in the mitochondria when BKCa is functional.

From Science Daily

Previously, it was assumed that fathers had no part in the genetic makeup of their offspring's mitochondria.

From Science Daily

Instead, they found that azole-induced reduction of ergosterol increase the activity of cellular mitochondria, the "powerhouse" of the cell, required to produce the cellular "fuel" that drives all metabolic processes in the pathogen cell.

From Science Daily