mitochondria

American  

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

plural noun

Cell Biology.

singular

mitochondrion

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

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Other Word 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

The compound is designed to block the damaging protein interaction and help mitochondria recover their normal function.

From Science Daily

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, points to malfunctioning mitochondria as a major contributor to the progressive breakdown of cerebellar neurons known as Purkinje cells.

From Science Daily

Scientists have developed experimental compounds that prompt the mitochondria inside cells to use more energy and burn additional calories.

From Science Daily

A major focus of this effort is the mitochondria, often called the powerhouse of the cell.

From Science Daily

The evidence suggests that structures such as the nucleus emerged well before mitochondria.

From Science Daily