Multiple Choice
What is the primary function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?
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11. Aerobic Respiration
Mitochondria
Multiple Choice
Why do skeletal muscle cells typically contain more mitochondria than many other cell types?
A
They contain more mitochondria because mitochondria are the site of glycolysis, which dominates ATP production in muscle.
B
They need mitochondria mainly to store calcium long-term as a static reservoir.
C
They have high ATP demand for repeated contraction, and mitochondria produce ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
D
They require mitochondria primarily to synthesize DNA for rapid cell division.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of mitochondria in cells. Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell because they generate ATP, the main energy currency, primarily through a process called oxidative phosphorylation.
Step 2: Recognize the energy demands of skeletal muscle cells. These cells are responsible for repeated contractions, which require a large and continuous supply of ATP to fuel muscle fibers.
Step 3: Compare ATP production pathways. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and produces a small amount of ATP quickly, but oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria produces much more ATP efficiently over time.
Step 4: Connect the high ATP demand of skeletal muscle cells to their mitochondrial content. Because muscle cells need sustained energy for contraction, they contain more mitochondria to meet this demand through oxidative phosphorylation.
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options by understanding their biological roles. Mitochondria do not primarily store calcium long-term, nor are they the main site of glycolysis, and skeletal muscle cells are generally not rapidly dividing, so mitochondrial DNA synthesis for cell division is not their main function here.
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