Question

Difficulty: MediumCell Structure and Function

During intense physical activity, human skeletal muscle cells rapidly consume adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to support continuous contraction. Which organelle produces the majority of this usable cellular energy through aerobic cellular respiration?

  1. A
    Chloroplasts
  2. MitochondriaAnswer
  3. C
    Ribosomes
  4. D
    Golgi apparatus

Answer

Mitochondria
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of eukaryotic cells because they perform aerobic cellular respiration, breaking down nutrients in the presence of oxygen to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Highly active tissues, such as skeletal muscles, contain high concentrations of mitochondria to meet their energy demands.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the cellular requirement described in the question
The cells require substantial ATP energy generated through aerobic cellular respiration.
Active metabolic tissues such as skeletal muscle depend on rapid, continuous energy conversion to maintain cellular work.
2
Identify the organelle responsible for aerobic cellular respiration
Mitochondria specialize in the biochemical pathways of cellular respiration that yield large amounts of ATP.
Matching the cellular process of aerobic ATP production to the organelle establishes mitochondria as the correct structure.

Key Concept

Mitochondria are the specialized eukaryotic organelles responsible for aerobic cellular respiration and the bulk synthesis of ATP.
Estimated Time:45s
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