Mitochondrial
Mitochondrial
Mitochondrial (pronunciation: /ˌmaɪtəˈkɒndrɪəl/) refers to anything pertaining to the mitochondria, the double-membrane-bound organelles found in most eukaryotic cells.
Etymology
The term "mitochondrial" is derived from the Greek words mitos meaning "thread" and chondros meaning "grain". This refers to the thread-like and granular appearance of mitochondria under a microscope.
Function
Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" 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 producing 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.
Mitochondrial Diseases
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria. They are the result of either inherited or spontaneous mutations in mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA which lead to altered functions of the proteins or RNA molecules that normally reside in mitochondria.
Related Terms
- Mitochondrial DNA: The DNA located in mitochondria.
- Mitochondrial disease: A group of disorders caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Mitochondrial biogenesis: The process by which cells increase their individual mitochondrial mass and copy number to increase the production of ATP as an adaptation to energy demand.
- Mitochondrial fusion: The process by which mitochondria in a cell fuse to form a larger organelle.
- Mitochondrial fission: The process by which a mitochondrion divides to form two mitochondria.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mitochondrial
- Wikipedia's article - Mitochondrial
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