Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?

• A. Ribosome
• B. Endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Golgi apparatus

Answer: (C)

The mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they are responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy currency of the cell. This organelle plays a crucial role in aerobic respiration, where it converts nutrients, particularly glucose and fatty acids, into ATP through a series of biochemical reactions, including the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The efficient energy conversion process that occurs in mitochondria underlies many cellular functions, enabling activities like muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biosynthesis of macromolecules.

The other organelles listed serve different crucial functions in the cell. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains. The endoplasmic reticulum is a network involved in protein and lipid synthesis, where each type works in tandem with ribosomes and other cellular machinery. The Golgi apparatus focuses on modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. While all these organelles contribute to essential cellular functions, the unique role of mitochondria in energy production distinctly earns it the title of the powerhouse of the cell.