Final answer:
Muscle cells have a high concentration of mitochondria to fulfill their significant energy needs, ensuring a continuous supply of ATP for muscle contraction. During oxygen scarcity, they rely on anaerobic respiration, resulting in the production of lactic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muscle cells contain numerous mitochondria to serve their high demand for ATP. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the primary energy carrier in cells and is vital for muscle contraction. Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell because they are responsible for producing ATP through the process of cellular respiration. Muscle cells require large amounts of energy to function properly, especially during intense exercise.
When muscle cells don't receive sufficient oxygen, they produce less ATP. Instead, they generate lactic acid as a byproduct under anaerobic conditions, which often leads to muscle fatigue. For this reason, muscle cells have adapted to possess a high concentration of mitochondria to meet their energy needs efficiently. This ensures a steady supply of ATP during both aerobic respiration when oxygen is plentiful and anaerobic respiration when it is scarce.