Chromosome mitochondria (human)

mi·to·chon·dri·on (m

-k

n. pl. mi·to·chon·dri·a (-dr

)

A spherical or elongated organelle in the cytoplasm of nearly all eukaryotic cells, containing genetic material and many enzymes important for cell metabolism, including those responsible for the conversion of food to usable energy. It consists of two membranes: an outer smooth membrane and an inner membrane arranged to form cristae.

mito·chondri·al (-dr

l) adj.

mitochondrion

cutaway view

mitochondrion

[mī′tōkon′drē·on] pl. mitochondria

Etymology: Gk, mitos, thread, chondros, cartilage

a rodlike, threadlike, or granular organelle that functions in aerobic respiration and occurs in varying numbers in all eukaryotic cells except mature erythrocytes. It is bounded by two sets of membranes, a smooth outer one and an inner one that is arranged in folds, or cristae, that extend into the interior of the mitochondrion, called the matrix. Mitochondria provide the principal source of cellular energy through oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate synthesis. They also contain the enzymes involved with electron transport and the citric acid and fatty acid cycles. Mitochondria are self-replicating and contain their own DNA, RNA polymerase, transfer RNA, and ribosomes. Also called chondriosome. mitochondrial, adj.

mitochondrion [mi″to-kon´dre-ah] (pl. mitochon´dria) (Gr.)

a small, spherical to rod-shaped, membrane-bounded cytoplasmic organelle, the principal sites of ATP synthesis; mitochondria also contain enzymes of the citric acid cycle and ones for fatty acid oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation, and other biochemical pathways. They also contain DNA, RNA, and ribosomes; they replicate independently and synthesize some of their own proteins. adj., adj mitochon´drial.

Mitochondrion. This organelle has a double membrane that unfolds and forms cristae. The membrane and cristae serve as attachment sites for oxidative enzymes. From Damjanov, 2000.

An organelle in the cytoplasm of cells, which produces most of the energy-rich molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells. It is produced by using oxygen to break down nutrient molecules (e.g. glucose). The number of mitochondria in a cell varies, it is greater in active cells, such as muscle and liver cells which need more ATP. Mitochondria are involved in other processes (e.g. apoptosis, cellular proliferation). Each mitochondrion contains DNA, RNA, ribosomes and granules. The DNA is distinct from that of the cell nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited only through the female. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA causes genetic disorders (e.g. Leber's hereditary optic atrophy). Plural: mitochondria.

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