Multiple Choice
In any eukaryotic cell, cellular respiration occurs within which organelle?
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11. Aerobic Respiration
Mitochondria
Multiple Choice
In a multicellular organism, which type of cell would be expected to contain the greatest number of mitochondria per cell, and why?
A
Cardiac muscle cells, because they require large amounts of ATP for continuous contraction
B
Mature skeletal keratinocytes in the outer epidermis, because they have high rates of oxidative metabolism
C
Red blood cells, because they generate ATP primarily through oxidative phosphorylation
D
Adipocytes, because their primary role is rapid ATP production to support constant contractile activity
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the function of mitochondria in cells. Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, which is essential for energy-demanding cellular activities.
Step 2: Analyze the energy requirements of each cell type mentioned. Cardiac muscle cells continuously contract to pump blood, requiring a constant and high supply of ATP. Mature skeletal keratinocytes in the outer epidermis are mostly dead or dying cells with low metabolic activity. Red blood cells lack mitochondria and rely on glycolysis for ATP production. Adipocytes primarily store energy as fat and do not require rapid ATP production for contraction.
Step 3: Compare the ATP demand and mitochondrial content. Cells with high and continuous energy demands, like cardiac muscle cells, contain many mitochondria to meet their ATP needs. Cells with low or no mitochondrial activity will have fewer or no mitochondria.
Step 4: Conclude that cardiac muscle cells have the greatest number of mitochondria per cell because their function requires sustained ATP production for continuous contraction.
Step 5: Summarize that the presence of numerous mitochondria correlates with the cell's energy demand, explaining why cardiac muscle cells have more mitochondria compared to the other cell types listed.
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