mitochondria

Definition / meaning of mitochondria

Small structures in a cell that are found in the cytoplasm (fluid that surrounds the cell nucleus). Mitochondria make most of the energy for the cell and have their own genetic material that is different from the genetic material found in the nucleus. Many diseases are caused by mutations (changes) in the DNA of mitochondria. Mitochondria are cell organelles.

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Find More About 'mitochondria'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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