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Mitochondria Definition

Mitochondria is the organelle where sugar is used to produce energy. It is considered the powerhouse of a cell.

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Plant & Animal Cells

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • Both plant and animal cells have mitochondria.
  • Mitochondria have a double membrane and their own DNA, indicating they were once bacteria cells.
  • The cell needs energy from the mitochondria to carry out its everyday functions.

Why Do We Need To Know About Mitochondria

Studying mitochondria helps us understand how cells make energy, which is essential for life. This is important for jobs like finding cures for diseases. For example, doctors who study diseases look at mitochondria to figure out what’s wrong with someone.

Also, scientists who work on things like gene editing and making new biological products use their knowledge of mitochondria. So, learning about mitochondria is useful for many careers in science and medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a unicellular organism and a multicellular organism?
Single celled organisms are made up of only one cell. An amoeba is an example of a unicellular organism. Multicellular organisms are made up of more than one cell. People, dogs and plants are all examples of multicellular organisms.
Why is the mitochondria of a cell important?
The mitochondria is where sugar is converted into energy. The cell needs energy in order to carry out its everyday functions.
What function does a cell wall serve for a plant?
The cell wall gives a plant cell support and structure allowing the plant to stand upright. This is important so that the plant can get sunlight in order to do photosynthesis.
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