Meaning & use
mitochondria
Last updated
“mitochondria” is a form of “mitochondrion”.
Meaning
nounpluralbiology
Small structures inside cells that turn nutrients into energy the cell can use.
Grammar: Plural; the singular is 'mitochondrion'. Use plural verbs: mitochondria are...
Patterns
- mitochondria in a cell
- the mitochondria of something
Mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of the cell.
Muscle cells contain many mitochondria because they need a lot of energy.
Damage to mitochondria can lead to serious health problems.
Word forms
| singular | mitochondrion |
|---|
Common combinations
- mitochondrial DNA
- Mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother.
- mitochondrial disease
- Mitochondrial disease can affect many parts of the body.
- the powerhouse of the cell
- Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell.
Word family
- mitochondrion noun
- The singular form of mitochondria.
- mitochondrial adjective
- Relating to mitochondria.
Commonly confused: mitochondria or mitosis?
mitochondria vs mitosis
Mitosis is cell division; mitochondria are energy-producing structures. They sound similar but are completely different.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'mitochondria' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Mitochondria' is plural, so it takes a plural verb: 'mitochondria are'. The singular is 'mitochondrion'. Option 3 correctly uses the plural form with a plural verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “mitochondria”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.