What Is A Mitochondria?

They are small spherical or rod-shaped organelles, which are involved in the release of energy from food substances during cell respiration. The energy released may be temporarily stored in small molecules called adenosine triphosphates, which are like real batteries in cells. They can be transported from one part to another. When needed, they can be broken down to release energy, which may be used by the cell to perform vital activities such as growth and reproduction.

Mitochondria are rod shaped bodies known as organelle occurring in the cells of plants and animals whose main function is to provide energy to the cells by converting nutrients into ATP (Adenosine Tri-phosphate) which can be then utilized by the cell as a source of energy.

Mitochondria, singular mitochondrion are hence known as the power generators of the cell and play a vital role in the metabolizing process the process takes place by way of oxidation otherwise known as cellular respiration. Mitochondria occur in the extra nuclear part of the cell and may be in numbers stretching from a few to thousands though they are not present in the red blood cells some unicellular organisms have one mitochondrion.

Mitochondria are double-membraned in structure with the essential processes taking place in the inner part they also contain DNA and can regenerate themselves by dividing to increase their number. According to a theory, cellular mitochondria have descended from bacteria as their DNA structure is similar to the one seen in them.

Responsible for giving energy and nutrients

Mitochondria are major organelles in both animal and plant cells. They are large structures, second in size only to the nucleus in most cells but are only about 1.5 micrometers wide and about 5 micrometers long.

Mitochondria are often called the power stations of the cell because they use oxygen to power the biochemical processes that break down glucose and other food molecules into water and carbon dioxide, releasing lots of energy for the cell to use.

Mitochondria contain lots of folded internal membranes that are studded with the proteins and enzymes that control and carry out cell respiration. The folding of the membrane gives a very large surface area for the reactions to take place. There are many steps but the end result is the generation of molecules of adenosine tri-phosphate ~ ATP ~ which are used as the cell's ready currency for energy. ATP leaves the mitochondria and is used at sites all over the cell for other processes that need energy to power them.

It generates energy in the cell

.. It is the powerhouse of the cell..

Mitochondria is the power house of the cell

Mitochondria are responsible for controlling what goes in and out of the cell.

This is the site for respiration. Here glose is burn with oxygen to produce energy.

As I found it at www.yahooAnswers.com,A mitochondria is an organelle present in plant and animal cells. It it
the energy centre which provides energy to the cell through respiration.