Mitochondrial function refers to the processes by which mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells, generate energy for the cell through a series of complex biochemical reactions. Understanding mitochondrial function is crucial in the tech community, particularly in fields like bioinformatics and biomedical research, as dysfunctional mitochondria have been linked to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic disorders, and cancer, driving research into new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.