mitochondrion

[ mahy-tuh-kon-dree-uhn ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. the singular of mitochondria.

mitochondrion

/ ˌmaɪtəʊˈkɒndrɪən /

noun

1. a small spherical or rodlike body, bounded by a double membrane, in the cytoplasm of most cells: contains enzymes responsible for energy production Also calledchondriosome

mitochondrion

/ mī′tə-kŏn′drē-ən /

, Plural mitochondria

1. A structure in the cytoplasm of all cells except bacteria in which food molecules (sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids) are broken down in the presence of oxygen and converted to energy in the form of ATP. Mitochondria have an inner and outer membrane. The inner membrane has many twists and folds (called cristae), which increase the surface area available to proteins and their associative reactions. The inner membrane encloses a liquid containing DNA, RNA, small ribosomes, and solutes. The DNA in mitochondria is genetically distinct from that in the cell nucleus, and mitochondria can manufacture some of their own proteins independent of the rest of the cell. Each cell can contain thousands of mitochondria, which move about producing ATP in response to the cell's need for chemical energy. It is thought that mitochondria originated as separate, single-celled organisms that became so symbiotic with their hosts as to be indispensible. Mitochondrial DNA is thus considered a remnant of a past existence as a separate organism.
2. See more at cell

mitochondrion

1. The cell organelle where much of cellular respiration takes place; the “power plant” of the cell.

Notes

Mitochondria probably entered eukaryotes by an act of endosymbiosis, in which one simple cell was absorbed by another.

Mitochondria contain their own DNA. It is by tracing the mitochondrial DNA, which individuals inherit only from their mothers, that genetic linkages are often traced. ( See mitochondrial Eve .)

Derived Forms

• ˌmitoˈchondrial, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mitochondrion¹

First recorded in 1900–05; mitochondria ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of mitochondrion¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek mitos thread + khondrion small grain

Example Sentences

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

This ultimately leads to greater energy production by the power plants of infected cells: the mitochondria.

From Science Daily

These included molecular regulators and transcription factors, and pathways involved in immune function, metabolism, mitochondria function and stress hormone signaling.

From Science Daily