Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

5. Cell Components

Mitochondria & Chloroplasts

General Biology

5. Cell Components

Mitochondria & Chloroplasts

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2:35 minutes

Problem 11

Textbook Question

In which cell would you find the most mitochondria?
a. Pancreatic cell that secretes digestive enzymes
b. Ovarian cell that produces estrogen (a steroid hormone)
c. Muscle cell in the thigh of a long-distance runner
d. White blood cell that engulfs bacteria

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the function of mitochondria: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. Cells with high energy demands will have more mitochondria.

Analyze the energy requirements of each cell type: Consider the activities performed by each cell and how much energy they would require to carry out their functions.

Evaluate option a: Pancreatic cells secrete digestive enzymes, which is an energy-demanding process, but it is not as energy-intensive as constant physical activity or movement.

Evaluate option b: Ovarian cells produce steroid hormones like estrogen, which involves enzymatic processes, but these processes are not as energy-intensive as muscle contraction.

Evaluate option c: Muscle cells in the thigh of a long-distance runner require a significant amount of energy for sustained contraction and movement, making them likely to have the most mitochondria compared to the other options.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration. They play a crucial role in energy metabolism, converting nutrients into usable energy, which is essential for various cellular functions.

Cellular Energy Demand

Different cell types have varying energy demands based on their functions. Cells that require more energy, such as muscle cells during prolonged activity, tend to have a higher number of mitochondria to meet their ATP needs, while less active cells may have fewer mitochondria.

Cell Types and Functions

The type of cell influences its structure and organelle composition. For instance, pancreatic cells are involved in enzyme secretion, ovarian cells in hormone production, and muscle cells in contraction, with muscle cells typically having the highest mitochondrial density due to their high energy requirements during physical activity.

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