noun
mitochondrion
my-tuh-KON-dree-un
Mitochondrion (noun) means a small structure inside eukaryotic cells that turns food into usable energy in the form of ATP. Example: “Each mitochondrion has its own genetic material.”
noun
1
technical A small structure inside eukaryotic cells that turns food into usable energy in the form of ATP.
"Each mitochondrion has its own genetic material."
"Muscle cells contain many mitochondria because they need a lot of energy."
"The mitochondrion is often described as the powerhouse of the cell."
How to use mitochondrion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe part of a cell that makes energy from food.
When to use it
It is a scientific term used in biology and medicine.
Common pairings
mitochondrial DNA
mitochondria in the cell
energy from the mitochondria
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Each _____ has its own genetic material.
Etymology
The word comes from German Mitochondrium, coined by Carl Benda in 1898. Benda built it from Ancient Greek words meaning thread and grain.
Rhymes for mitochondrion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for mitochondrion →
Frequently asked questions
What does a mitochondrion do?
It converts food into usable energy in the form of ATP. It sits in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
What is the plural of mitochondrion?
The normal plural is mitochondria. Mitochondrions is rare and regarded as incorrect.
Do mitochondria have their own DNA?
Yes, a mitochondrion contains genetic material separate from that of its host cell.
What is the meaning of mitochondrion?
"mitochondrion" (noun) means a small structure inside eukaryotic cells that turns food into usable energy in the form of ATP.
