mitochondria

American  

[mahy-tuh-kon-dree-uh] / ˌmaɪ təˈkɒn dri ə /

plural noun

Cell Biology.

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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• mitochondrial
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of mitochondria

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

These clusters attach to mitochondria, the structures often referred to as the "powerhouses" of cells, and interfere with their function.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

Scientists also found that it restored activity in mitochondria, the tiny structures inside cells responsible for producing energy.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

The findings add to growing evidence that cells can transfer mitochondria to one another.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

Researchers also identified a protein called MYO10 as critical for creating the tunneling nanotubes that allow mitochondria to move between cells.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

The ribosomes inside the mitochondria are similar to bacterial ribosomes, and different from animal ribosomes.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas