The role of mitochondria in a cell is primarily related to energy production. Often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, mitochondria convert chemical energy stored in food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. This process occurs through cellular respiration, which includes glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Mitochondria also play important roles in regulating metabolism, signaling pathways, and even programmed cell death (apoptosis), making them fundamental to cellular function.