Mitochondria

Mitochondria are tiny shapes inside your cells. Each one looks a little like a jelly bean. They are often called the powerhouse of the cell. That is because they make the energy your body uses. Without mitochondria, you could not move or think.

Making Energy

Mitochondria take sugar from the food you eat and mix it with oxygen. This makes a special energy called ATP. Cells use ATP to do almost everything. It helps muscles move and brains think. The more active a cell is, the more mitochondria it usually has.

Where They Came From

Scientists think mitochondria used to be their own tiny creatures billions of years ago. One day they moved inside bigger cells and started to help them. Over time, they became a normal part of cells. That is why they have their own DNA. You get all your mitochondria from your mother.

Fun Facts

• Heart cells have lots of mitochondria because the heart works hard.
• A single cell can have hundreds or even thousands of mitochondria.
• Mitochondria have their own set of DNA, separate from the cell.

Did You Know?

Mitochondria are so small that you could fit millions of them inside one drop of water.