MITOCHONDRION Meaning and
Definition
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The term "mitochondrion" refers to a tiny, double-membraned organelle found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, serving as the powerhouses of the cell. It can be described as an oval-shaped, subcellular entity with its own DNA that is distinct from the cell's nuclear DNA. Mitochondria are crucial for various cellular functions, but their most important role is to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary source of chemical energy for the cell.
Mitochondria are highly specialized organelles that undertake cellular respiration, a process in which organic molecules, typically glucose, are broken down to extract energy. They convert the energy stored in the chemical bonds of glucose and other molecules into forms that the cell can utilize. This energy conversion occurs through the oxidation of molecules and the subsequent release of energy in the form of ATP. Beyond their role in energy production, mitochondria also play a part in regulating cell growth, cell signaling, and cell differentiation.
Furthermore, mitochondria possess their own genetic material, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes necessary components for the organelle's functioning. While most genetic information is housed in the cell nucleus, mitochondria have a limited set of genes that are essential for their specific functions.
Overall, mitochondria are crucial organelles in eukaryotic cells, responsible for generating energy and supporting various cellular processes.
Common Misspellings for MITOCHONDRION
- mitochrodrion
- nitochondrion
- kitochondrion
- jitochondrion
- mutochondrion
- mjtochondrion
- mktochondrion
- motochondrion
- m9tochondrion
- m8tochondrion
- mirochondrion
- mifochondrion
- migochondrion
- miyochondrion
- mi6ochondrion
- mi5ochondrion
- mitichondrion
- mitkchondrion
- mitlchondrion
- mitpchondrion
Etymology of MITOCHONDRION
The term mitochondrion has a Greek origin. It comes from the Greek words mitos meaning thread and khondrion meaning granule or grain, referring to the thread-like or granular appearance of the organelle when viewed under a microscope. When pluralized, mitochondrion becomes mitochondria.
