The process is referred to as oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells and produce ATP which provides energy to all the functions in our body. They can be damaged by toxins such as alcohol, nicotine, or medications like chemotherapy drugs that we take for cancer treatment. This damage may lead to a number of diseases including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. What is your understanding of how mitochondria work? Let us know if you have any questions about these powerhouse organelles!