Question

(important) Chicago Cyanide Murders: A Case Study on Cellular Respiration Part one: (Autopsy report)

Recall that the mitochondrion is sometimes called the "powerhouse" of the cell. What does this mean? Why is the mitochondrion important?
Options:
a) The mitochondrion generates energy in the form of ATP and is crucial for cell function.
b) The mitochondrion stores genetic information for the cell.
c) The mitochondrion is responsible for cell division.
d) The mitochondrion helps in cell communication and signaling.

Answer 1

The mitochondrion is called the cell's powerhouse because it generates ATP through cellular respiration, which is crucial for cell function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mitochondrion is often called the "powerhouse" of the cell because it is responsible for making adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy-carrying molecule. ATP is crucial for cell function as it provides the necessary energy for various cellular processes.

The process of creating ATP using the chemical energy found in glucose and other nutrients is known as cellular respiration, which occurs within the mitochondria using oxygen and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. Therefore, the correct option that explains why the mitochondrion is important is: a) The mitochondrion generates energy in the form of ATP and is crucial for cell function.