The article reviews the role of mitochondrial function in gastrointestinal diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Mitochondria, crucial for cellular energy metabolism and signaling, are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC. Mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by impaired electron transport chain (ETC) function and increased reactive oxygen species (mtROS), contributes to epithelial barrier dysfunction, immune cell activation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In IBD, mitochondrial signaling plays a dual role, promoting both epithelial homeostasis and inflammation. In CRC, mitochondrial involvement is linked to neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. The article discusses the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on IBD and CRC, including its role in epithelial barrier disruption, immune cell activation, and microbial interactions. It also explores mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics and the potential of targeting mitochondrial quality control mechanisms to improve disease outcomes. The interplay between mitochondrial function and the gut microbiota is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mitochondrial health for maintaining intestinal homeostasis.The article reviews the role of mitochondrial function in gastrointestinal diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Mitochondria, crucial for cellular energy metabolism and signaling, are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC. Mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by impaired electron transport chain (ETC) function and increased reactive oxygen species (mtROS), contributes to epithelial barrier dysfunction, immune cell activation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In IBD, mitochondrial signaling plays a dual role, promoting both epithelial homeostasis and inflammation. In CRC, mitochondrial involvement is linked to neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. The article discusses the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on IBD and CRC, including its role in epithelial barrier disruption, immune cell activation, and microbial interactions. It also explores mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics and the potential of targeting mitochondrial quality control mechanisms to improve disease outcomes. The interplay between mitochondrial function and the gut microbiota is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mitochondrial health for maintaining intestinal homeostasis.