It was once assumed that mitochondrial diseases were rare and that few people were affected. As knowledge has grown about these organelles and their function, it became clear that mitochondrial malfunction could be linked to several chronic diseases. Diabetes has been associated with DNA mutation and can cause mutation itself. This text discusses findings involving the effects of disease on mitochondrial number, mitogenesis, and the base sequence of mitochondrial DNA. Experts discuss their study of mitochondria and what happens when it malfunctions. This book also explores the idea that mutated mitochondrial DNA can result in disease, and vice versa.