Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
What is the powerhouse of the cell?
Nucleus
Mitochondria
Ribosome
Lysosome
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they are the sites of aerobic respiration. They generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as a source of chemical energy.
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they are the sites of aerobic respiration. They generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as a source of chemical energy.
Just as a power plant burns fuel to generate electricity for an entire city, the mitochondria 'burn' glucose to generate ATP to power all cellular activities.
Mitochondria = Mighty Powerhouse
C6тАЛH12тАЛO6тАЛ+6O2тАЛтЖТ6CO2тАЛ+6H2тАЛO+Energy┬а(ATP) тАФ The overall cellular respiration reaction
Mitochondria utilize the process of oxidative phosphorylation. During this process, electrons derived from nutrients are transferred through the electron transport chain located on the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient that drives the enzyme ATP synthase to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.
Mitochondria possess their own circular DNA and ribosomes, supporting the endosymbiotic theory.
They have a double-membrane structure with the inner membrane folded into structures called cristae to increase surface area.
ATP stands for Adenosine Triphosphate, the universal energy currency of life.
Efficient energy production compared to anaerobic pathways.
Allows for complex multicellular life and high-energy-demanding physiological functions.
Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a byproduct, which can cause cellular damage.
Mitochondrial DNA mutations can lead to various metabolic diseases.
Muscle contraction requiring high amounts of ATP.
Active transport across cell membranes.
Nucleus is the control center; Ribosome is the site of protein synthesis; Lysosome is the suicidal bag/digestive system.
Mitochondria were first observed by Albert von K├╢lliker in 1857.
B is correct тАФ Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for generating ATP through cellular respiration.
Remember that while mitochondria are the powerhouse, chloroplasts perform a similar role in plants via photosynthesisтАФdon't confuse the two!