Why are there ribosomes in the mitochondria?

Ribosomes are present in mitochondria because these organelles have their own genetic material and are semi-autonomous. Mitochondria contain their own DNA (separate from the cell's nuclear DNA) and encode various proteins necessary for their function. Inside eukaryotic cells, mitochondria have their own ribosomes, known as mitoribosomes. These specialized ribosomes produce 13 mitochondrial proteins crucial for supporting oxidative phosphorylation, which is essential for generating cellular energy. These proteins are encoded by a circular genome within the mitochondria, around 16.5 kilobases in size. Without ribosomes in mitochondria, the organelles would be unable to produce the proteins necessary for their function.