Multiple Choice
Why do muscle cells typically contain a high number of mitochondria compared with many other cell types?
42
views
11. Aerobic Respiration
Mitochondria
Multiple Choice
In humans, which cell type typically contains the highest number of mitochondria to meet its constant energy demands?
A
Cardiac muscle cell (cardiomyocyte)
B
Mature sperm cell
C
Red blood cell (erythrocyte)
D
Skin epidermal cell (keratinocyte)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of mitochondria: Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration.
Consider the energy demands of each cell type: Cardiac muscle cells continuously contract to pump blood, requiring a large and constant supply of energy.
Compare other cell types: Mature sperm cells need energy for motility but only for a limited time; red blood cells lack mitochondria entirely as they rely on glycolysis; skin epidermal cells have lower energy demands compared to muscle cells.
Conclude that the cell type with the highest number of mitochondria is the one with the greatest and most constant energy requirement, which is the cardiac muscle cell (cardiomyocyte).
Remember that the abundance of mitochondria correlates with the cell's energy needs, so cells with high and continuous energy demands contain more mitochondria.
Related Videos
Related Practice
