mítókondríal

Mítókondríal is a term derived from Greek words that literally translates to "thread-granule." It refers to the organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, commonly known as mitochondria. These structures are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell because their primary function is to generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy. This process is called cellular respiration. Mitochondria have a double membrane structure, with the inner membrane folded into cristae, which increases the surface area for ATP synthesis. They contain their own DNA, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is separate from the nuclear DNA. This mtDNA is inherited maternally in most organisms. Beyond energy production, mitochondria are also involved in various other cellular processes, including cell signaling, cell differentiation, cell death (apoptosis), and the regulation of the cell cycle and cell growth. Disruptions in mitochondrial function are implicated in a wide range of diseases, from neurodegenerative disorders to metabolic diseases.