A mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria) is a membrane-enclosed organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. These organelles range from 1–10 micrometers (μm) in size. Mitochondria are sometimes described as “cellular power plants” because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate, ATP [w], used as a source of chemical energy. In addition to supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are involved in a range of other processes, such as signaling, cellular differentiation, cell death, as well as the control of the cell cycle and cell growths. - wikipedia
Electron micrograph of a mitochondrion showing its mitochondrial matrix and membranes.
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health
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