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What are mitochondria?

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Quick answer

Mitochondria are tiny structures inside cells, often called the 'powerhouse of the cell. ' They turn food and oxygen into usable energy (ATP) through cellular respiration, powering almost everything cells do. They generate most of the cell's energy (ATP) via respiration.

Key things to understand

  1. They generate most of the cell's energy (ATP) via respiration.
  2. They have their own DNA, hinting they were once independent bacteria.
  3. Cells with high energy needs (muscle, heart) have many of them.
  4. They're inherited almost entirely from your mother.

People also ask

What do mitochondria do?
They convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, the energy currency cells use to function.
Why are mitochondria called the powerhouse of the cell?
Because they produce most of the cell's usable energy.
Why do mitochondria have their own DNA?
It's evidence they descended from ancient bacteria absorbed by early cells.