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Multiple Choice
Which type of cell is likely to contain the greatest number of mitochondria?
A
Red blood cell
B
Bacterial cell
C
Cardiac muscle cell
D
Epidermal skin cell
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the function of mitochondria: Mitochondria are organelles responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. Cells with high energy demands typically contain more mitochondria.
Analyze the energy requirements of each cell type: Red blood cells lack mitochondria entirely as they rely on anaerobic respiration. Bacterial cells, being prokaryotic, do not have mitochondria and instead use their plasma membrane for energy production. Epidermal skin cells have relatively low energy demands as they primarily serve as a protective barrier.
Focus on cardiac muscle cells: Cardiac muscle cells are specialized for continuous contraction to pump blood throughout the body. This requires a significant amount of energy, making them highly dependent on mitochondria.
Relate energy demand to mitochondria abundance: Since cardiac muscle cells have the highest energy demand among the listed cell types, they are likely to contain the greatest number of mitochondria to meet their energy needs.
Conclude that the correct answer is cardiac muscle cell, as it aligns with the biological principle that cells with higher energy requirements contain more mitochondria.