What are the characteristics of mitochondria?

Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, stand out as unique organelles due to their distinctive features. Enclosed by a double membrane and possessing their own compact genome, mitochondria exhibit an ability to undergo independent division through a simple fission process. Unlike other cellular components involved in the cell cycle, mitochondrial division responds to the demand for energy. Consequently, cells with higher energy requirements have a greater abundance of these organelles compared to cells with lower energy needs. Essentially, when a cell requires more energy, mitochondria multiply to fuel the increased energy demands. Mitochondria also possess their own circular DNA, allowing them to carry out certain genetic processes independently. Structurally, mitochondria possess a rod-shaped, double-membrane structure composed of outer and inner mitochondrial membranes with a gap known as the intermembrane space.