Multiple Choice
In the context of mitochondria, why do some cells (e.g., skeletal muscle cells) contain more mitochondria than others (e.g., many adipocytes)?
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11. Aerobic Respiration
Mitochondria
Multiple Choice
Compared with most other cell types in the body, do skeletal muscle cells typically contain more mitochondria, and why?
A
No; muscle cells rely mainly on lysosomes for ATP production, so they have fewer mitochondria.
B
No; mitochondria are absent from differentiated skeletal muscle cells because their nuclei supply ATP directly.
C
Yes; they have high ATP demand for repeated contraction, so they are enriched in mitochondria for aerobic respiration.
D
Yes; mitochondria are needed primarily for storing glycogen used during muscle contraction.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of mitochondria in cells: mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing ATP through aerobic respiration, which is the main energy currency for cellular activities.
Consider the energy demands of skeletal muscle cells: these cells require a large amount of ATP to sustain repeated contractions during movement and exercise.
Recognize that because of this high energy demand, skeletal muscle cells contain more mitochondria compared to many other cell types to efficiently produce ATP aerobically.
Evaluate the incorrect options: lysosomes do not produce ATP, nuclei do not supply ATP directly, and mitochondria are not primarily for glycogen storage (glycogen is stored in the cytoplasm).
Conclude that the correct reasoning is that skeletal muscle cells have more mitochondria to meet their high ATP demand through aerobic respiration.
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