What is the function of mitochondria in cells?

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, responsible for producing energy through the process of cellular respiration. They convert nutrients, particularly glucose, into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s primary energy carrier. Mitochondria also play roles in cell division, growth, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). In addition to their energy-producing function, mitochondria have their own DNA and are believed to have originated from ancient bacteria in a process called endosymbiosis.