Mitochondria are parts of a cell that transform components of food into energy for cells to perform their most basic functions. Metabolism, or conversion of foods, minerals, and vitamins into useful compounds, is a main function of these organelles. Dysfunction, disease, or changes in mitochondria directly impact the cell’s ability to thrive, survive, and, in the case of pregnancy, produce a child. Research at March of Dimes helps us understand the links between mitochondrial disease and dysfunction and, among other things, miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and neonatal congenital abnormalities.
