Final answer:
The mitochondria are cellular organelles responsible for harvesting chemical energy stored in organic molecules to produce ATP, the cell's energy-carrying molecule, through the process of cellular respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mitochondria are cellular organelles inside of which chemical energy stored within the covalent bonds of organic molecules is harvested for use by the cell. Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, play a crucial role in energy production by converting energy from organic compounds such as glucose into molecules of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
ATP is the cell's main energy-carrying molecule, facilitating a wide range of cellular activities, including synthesis of complex molecules, transport of materials, powering movements, and muscle contraction. Through the process of cellular respiration, the mitochondria use oxygen to convert the energy found in glucose into ATP, releasing carbon dioxide as a waste product.