Mitochondrion

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Mitochondrion

Mitochondrion (pronounced: mi-toh-kon-dree-on) is a double-membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic organisms. Some cells in some multicellular organisms may, however, lack them (for example, mature mammalian red blood cells).

Etymology

The term mitochondrion comes from the Greek μίτος, mitos, "thread", and χονδρίον, chondrion, "granule" or "grain-like". This is reflective of the structure of mitochondria, which are often rod-shaped and have a granular appearance.

Function

Mitochondria generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy. In addition to supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are involved in other tasks, such as signaling, cellular differentiation, and cell death, as well as maintaining control of the cell cycle and cell growth.

Related Terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): A complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells.
  • Cell Cycle: The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication.
  • Cellular Differentiation: The process where a cell changes from one cell type to another.
  • Eukaryotic Organisms: Any organism whose cells have a cell nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.

See Also

External links

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