Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

Which organelle is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell?

1. Chloroplasts

2. Mitochondria

3. Ribosomes

4. Lysosomes

The correct answer is: Mitochondria

The mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they are the sites of cellular respiration, a process through which cells convert nutrients into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy is crucial for powering various cellular functions and processes. Mitochondria are found in nearly all eukaryotic cells and are essential for energy metabolism. Their unique structure, including a double membrane and their own DNA, supports their role in energy production, allowing them to efficiently produce ATP from biochemical energy derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This makes them vital for cell survival and function. In contrast, chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis and convert sunlight into chemical energy, ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, and lysosomes are involved in breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. Each of these organelles plays an important role in the cell, but it is the mitochondria that are specifically linked to the generation of usable energy, which is why they earn the title of the powerhouse.