Mitochondrion, membrane-bound organelle found in the cytoplasm of almost all eukaryotic cells

(cells with clearly defined nuclei), the primary function of which is to generate large quantities of
energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Mitochondria are typically round to oval in
shape and range in size from 0.5 to 10 µm. In addition to producing energy, mitochondria store
calcium for cell signaling activities, generate heat, and mediate cell growth and death.

As an illustration, human erythrocytes (red blood cells) do not have any mitochondria, whereas
liver cells and muscle cells may have hundreds or even thousands of mitochondria. The
oxymonad species Monocercomonoides is the only eukaryotic organism that is known to be
mitochondria-free. Because they have a unique genome, two separate membranes, and binary
fission as a method of reproduction, mitochondria differ from other cellular organelles and may
have evolved from prokaryotes (single-celled organisms).

The cell nucleus is where the majority of the proteins and other compounds found in
mitochondria are made. Yet, the human mitochondrial genome only has 37 genes, 13 of which
make different parts of the electron transport chain (ETC). The mitochondrial genome is often
inherited from the mother in many organisms. This is so because mitochondria inherited from the
father's sperm are often destroyed and the majority of the cytoplasm donated to the embryo
comes from the mother's egg cell.