Mitochondria

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are tiny structures inside most of your cells that act like power plants, producing the chemical energy cells use to do work. They turn the breakdown products of food into ATP, the molecule that powers motion, thinking, and repair. Mitochondria also help regulate cell death, balance calcium levels, and send signals that influence how the whole cell behaves. Each mitochondrion has its own small set of genes, and they reproduce and change shape through processes called fusion and fission. When mitochondria become damaged or worn out, cells remove them through a cleanup process so the rest of the cell stays healthy. If mitochondria aren’t working well, tissues that need a lot of energy—like the brain, heart, and muscles—can suffer, and mitochondrial problems are linked to aging and many diseases. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep influence mitochondrial health, and researchers are exploring therapies that support their function. Understanding mitochondria matters because keeping them healthy helps maintain energy, resilience to stress, and overall tissue function as we age.