Mitochondria are small structures inside our cells. Think of them as tiny power plants. Their main job is to produce energy that the cell needs to function. This energy comes from the food we eat and the oxygen we breathe.
Each cell contains many mitochondria, and their number can vary depending on how much energy a cell needs. For example, muscle cells have a lot of mitochondria because they use a lot of energy.
Mitochondria have their own DNA, which is different from the DNA in the cell’s nucleus. This means they can make some of their own proteins and reproduce themselves.
They also help with other important tasks, like controlling the cell’s growth and death. If mitochondria don’t work properly, it can lead to various health issues, because the cells might not get enough energy.
In summary, mitochondria are crucial for providing the energy needed for our cells to perform their functions and keep us healthy.