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Mitochondria

Definition

noun, singular: mitochondrion

Spherical or rod-shaped organelles found within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, and are referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell since they act as the site for the production of high-energy compounds (e.g. ATP), which are vital energy source for several cellular processes.


Supplement

They produce large amounts of energy through oxidative phosphorylation of organic molecules during cellular respiration. That is, they are capable of using glucose and oxygen to produce energy (and releasing carbon dioxide and water in the process) for use in many metabolic processes. Thus, it is not surprising to find several mitochondria in high energy-requiring cells, such as muscle cells.

They are semi-autonomous, self-reproducing organelles because they contain their own genome. In fact, their DNA has become an important tool in tracking genetic histories since their genetic material is present in only one copy, and does not recombine in reproduction.

According to the endosymbiotic theory, mitochondria might have been the remnants of early bacteria engulfed by ancient eukaryotic cells a billion years ago that might have evolved and become energy-yielding structures within eukaryotic cells at present.


Word origin: from Gk. mitos - thread + khondrion - little granule.
Related forms: mitochondrial (adjective).
Also known as: chondriosome.
See also: cellular respiration, ATP.


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Mitochondrial Gene Replacement

Researchers have figured out a potential way to prevent mitochondrial DNA related diseases by trading out healthy mitochondria for the mutated mitochondria. Apparently there are no side effects. Read more

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by jyaron
Sun Sep 06, 2009 4:01 am
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: Mitochondrial Gene Replacement
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Views: 8

A few questions about cell locations

As far as I know: A) All human cells use glycolysis. B) All other human cells except mature erythrocytes have mitochondria. These detailed enough? ;)

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by biohazard
Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:47 am
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: A few questions about cell locations
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Views: 43

A few questions about cell locations

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by rturu
Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:14 pm
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: A few questions about cell locations
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Views: 43

Hope you guys can answer this.

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by Leela
Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:42 pm
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Hope you guys can answer this.
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Converting to energy source- glycolysis etc..

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by MrMistery
Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:05 pm
 
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