Mitochondrion (nonfiction): Difference between revisions
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[[File:640px-Mitochondrion structure.svg.png|thumb|Diagram of a mitochondrion.]]The '''mitochondrion''' (plural '''mitochondria''') is a double membrane-bound organelle found in all eukaryotic organisms, although some cells in some organisms may lack them (e.g. red blood cells). | [[File:640px-Mitochondrion structure.svg.png|thumb|Diagram of a mitochondrion.]]The '''mitochondrion''' (plural '''mitochondria''') is a double membrane-bound organelle found in all eukaryotic organisms, although some cells in some organisms may lack them (e.g. red blood cells). | ||
The word ''mitochondrion'' comes from the Greek μίτος, ''mitos'', i.e. "thread", and χονδρίον—, ''chondrion'', i.e. "granule" or "grain-like". | The word ''mitochondrion'' comes from the Greek μίτος, ''mitos'', i.e. "thread", and χονδρίον—, ''chondrion'', i.e. "granule" or "grain-like". | ||
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A number of organisms have reduced or transformed their mitochondria into other structures. | A number of organisms have reduced or transformed their mitochondria into other structures. | ||
== | == In the News == | ||
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== Fiction cross-reference == | == Fiction cross-reference == | ||
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* [[Metachondria]] | * [[Metachondria]] | ||
== External links | == Nonfiction cross-reference == | ||
External links: | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrion Mitochondrion] @ Wikipedia | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrion Mitochondrion] @ Wikipedia | ||
Latest revision as of 17:52, 23 June 2016
The mitochondrion (plural mitochondria) is a double membrane-bound organelle found in all eukaryotic organisms, although some cells in some organisms may lack them (e.g. red blood cells).
The word mitochondrion comes from the Greek μίτος, mitos, i.e. "thread", and χονδρίον—, chondrion, i.e. "granule" or "grain-like".
Mitochondria have been described as "the powerhouse of the cell" because they 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.
A number of organisms have reduced or transformed their mitochondria into other structures.
In the News
Fiction cross-reference
Nonfiction cross-reference
External links:
- Mitochondrion @ Wikipedia