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Mitochondrion
Definition 1
Semiautonomous, self-reproducing organelles that occur in the cytoplasm of all cells of most, but not all, eukaryotes. Mitochondria contain distinctive ribosomes, transfer RNAs, amino acyl t-RNA synthetases, and elongation and termination factors. Mitochondria depend upon genes within the nucleus for many essential messenger RNAs. Mitochondria consist of two sets of membranes, a smooth continuous outer coat and an inner membrane arranged in tubules or more often in folds that form platelike double membranes (cristae). Mitochondria are the principal energy source of the cell and contains the cytochrome enzymes of terminal electron transport and the enzymes of the citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are the sites of the reactions of oxidative phosphorylation, which result in the formation of ATP. (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 2
Small structures in a cell that are found in the cytoplasm (fluid that surrounds the cell nucleus). Mitochondria make most of the energy for the cell and have their own genetic material that is different from the genetic material found in the nucleus. Many diseases are caused by mutations (changes) in the DNA of mitochondria. Mitochondria are cell organelles. (NCI Dictionary)
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