Mitochondria can spawn new ‘organelles’ — hinting at how modern cells evolved

Researchers are discovering that mitochondria (blue), known as cells’ power plants, also play parts in cells’ immune responses. Credit: David M. Phillips/Science Photo Library When a parasite invades a cell, the cell’s mitochondria react by shedding their outer layers to form brand-new cellular compartments — or organelles — that digest molecular trash. Cells are swapping their mitochondria. …