Definition of mitochondrion in English:
mitochondrion
nounPlural mitochondria ˌmʌɪtə(ʊ)ˈkɒndrɪənˌmaɪdəˈkɑndriən
Biology An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. It has a double membrane, the inner part being folded inwards to form layers (cristae).
Example sentencesExamples
- The results suggest a shared thiamine transporter for mitochondria and the plasma membrane.
- In one of the earliest steps in the evolution of eukaryotic cells, the mitochondrion was derived from an endosymbiosed bacterium.
- The singlet oxygen damages cell membranes, mitochondria and cell nuclei.
- Inside the cytoplasm are mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.
- Chloroplasts are cell organelles comparable to the mitochondria of animal cells.
Origin
Early 20th century: modern Latin, from Greek mitos 'thread' + khondrion (diminutive of khondros 'granule').
Definition of mitochondrion in US English:
mitochondrion
nounˌmaɪdəˈkɑndriənˌmīdəˈkändrēən
Biology An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. It has a double membrane, the inner layer being folded inward to form layers (cristae).
Example sentencesExamples
- The singlet oxygen damages cell membranes, mitochondria and cell nuclei.
- The results suggest a shared thiamine transporter for mitochondria and the plasma membrane.
- In one of the earliest steps in the evolution of eukaryotic cells, the mitochondrion was derived from an endosymbiosed bacterium.
- Chloroplasts are cell organelles comparable to the mitochondria of animal cells.
- Inside the cytoplasm are mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.
Origin
Early 20th century: modern Latin, from Greek mitos ‘thread’ + khondrion (diminutive of khondros ‘granule’).