The terms ‘mitochondria’ and ‘mitochondrion’ refer to the same organelle found in eukaryotic cells, but they are used in different contexts.
– **Mitochondrion** is the singular form, referring to a single organelle. For example, you might say, ‘The mitochondrion is responsible for producing energy in the cell.’
– **Mitochondria** is the plural form, used when referring to multiple organelles. For example, ‘The mitochondria in muscle cells are highly active to meet the energy demands.’
In summary, ‘mitochondrion’ refers to one, while ‘mitochondria’ refers to many. Both terms describe the same structure, which plays a crucial role in energy production through cellular respiration.