When you’re learning new things, your brain cells use lots of energy — and the mitochondria in those cells help make that energy so the cells can change and store memories, like powering a busy classroom during a big lesson!
Mitochondria - Facts for Kids
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Facts About Mitochondria For Kids
The number of mitochondria in your cells changes throughout your life based on how much energy you need!
When you’re growing fast — like during childhood and puberty — your cells’ energy needs go up. Your mitochondria respond by becoming more active and often increasing in number so your cells have enough energy to keep you growing strong!
Fun Science Facts
Scientists discovered mitochondria over 130 years ago — in 1890 Richard Altmann first spotted them inside cells, and later they were named “mitochondria”!
The word "mitochondrion" comes from Greek words meaning "thread" and "granule" because of how they look under a microscope!
The energy currency that mitochondria make (ATP) is so important that your body makes and uses 40 kg of it every day!
