mitochondrion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical, Academic, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “mitochondrion” mean?
An organelle found in eukaryotic cells that produces energy through cellular respiration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organelle found in eukaryotic cells that produces energy through cellular respiration.
Often called the 'powerhouse of the cell'; a double-membraned structure with its own DNA, crucial for converting nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In broader contexts, sometimes used metaphorically to refer to a central source of energy or activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse; frequency is tied entirely to scientific/educational contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mitochondrion” in a Sentence
The mitochondrion (verb) energy.Scientists studied the mitochondrion's (noun).Dysfunction in the mitochondrion leads to (noun phrase).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mitochondrion” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally.
- Mitochondrial disorders affect energy production.
American English
- Mitochondrial DNA testing is used in genealogy.
- Researchers observed mitochondrial dysfunction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except potentially in biotech/pharma company reports.
Academic
Common in biology, biochemistry, medicine, and genetics textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might be encountered in popular science articles or documentaries.
Technical
The primary context; used precisely in laboratory reports, research, and scientific discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mitochondrion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mitochondrion”
- Using 'mitochondria' as a singular noun (e.g., 'A mitochondria is...').
- Mispronouncing the 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like in 'church') instead of /k/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is 'mitochondria'.
No, only eukaryotic cells (cells with a nucleus) have mitochondria. Prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) do not.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited only from the mother and is used in studies of human evolution, genealogy, and certain genetic diseases.
Yes, cells can have more or fewer mitochondria depending on their energy needs. Muscle cells, for example, have many mitochondria.
An organelle found in eukaryotic cells that produces energy through cellular respiration.
Mitochondrion is usually technical, academic, scientific in register.
Mitochondrion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.təʊˈkɒn.dri.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.t̬oʊˈkɑːn.dri.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MITOchondrion: My Interesting Tiny Organelle Creates Huge Energy.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CELL'S POWER PLANT / THE ENGINE OF THE CELL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a mitochondrion?