In brief
A group of metabolic disorders caused by gene changes that stop mitochondria, the structures that make energy in cells, from working properly.
- Faults in how mitochondria work can cause symptoms in the muscles, the brain and sometimes the kidneys.
How it works
Mitochondria are small structures that produce energy in almost all of your cells. Mitochondrial diseases are a group of metabolic disorders caused by genetic mutations. Muscle and nerve cells have especially high energy needs, so muscle and nerve problems are common.
There are no cures for these diseases, but treatments may help with symptoms and slow the disease down. Mitochondrial DNA is generally inherited only from the mother.
Connections
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Mitochondrial disease is linked with
Mitochondrial diseases are caused by genetic changes that affect mitochondria, the structures that produce energy in cells.
Source: MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine), Mitochondrial diseases
Mitochondrial disease can cause
Muscle and nerve cells have especially high energy needs, so muscle and nerve problems are common in mitochondrial diseases.
Source: MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine), Mitochondrial diseases
Sources
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Summarised from MedlinePlus and the National Human Genome Research Institute. Sources read on 13 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.