GC: n

S: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/mitochondrion/ (last access: 27 February 2016); http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21222631 (last access: 27 February 2016).

N: 1. mitochondrion (n.) singular of mitochondria (n.) 1901, from German, coined 1898 by microbiologist Carl Benda (1857-1933), from Greek mitos “thread” + khondrion “little granule,” diminutive of khondros “granule, lump of salt”.
2. mitochondrion: eukaryotic cells 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.
3. Mitochondria have a high degree of biochemical autonomy; they contain DNA and ribosomes, carry out protein synthesis, and are capable of self-replication.
4. Plural: mitochondria. Adjective: mitochondrial.

S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=mitochondrion; http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=mitochondria (last access: 27 February 2016). 2. EncBrit – http://global.britannica.com/science/mitochondrion (last access: 27 February 2016). 3 & 4. GDT – http://www.granddictionnaire.com/ficheOqlf.aspx?Id_Fiche=8401691 (last access: 27 February 2016).

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CR: biotechnology, carnitine.