A cell that uses a large amount of energy is likely to have an increased number of:
A nucleoli
B mitochondria
C ribosomes
D Golgi apparatus
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B mitochondria.
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they are the primary sites of energy production. Cells that require a large amount of energy, such as muscle cells, liver cells, and certain types of nerve cells, tend to have a significantly higher number of mitochondria. These organelles generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the cell’s main energy currency, through cellular respiration. ATP is necessary for numerous cellular processes such as active transport, muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and cell division.
In cells that need to produce more energy, the mitochondria have specialized structures such as cristae, which are folds in the inner membrane where ATP production occurs. These folds provide a large surface area, allowing for more efficient energy production. The more energy a cell needs, the more mitochondria it will have to meet those demands.
The other options provided do not play as direct a role in energy production:
- A. Nucleoli: Nucleoli are involved in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the assembly of ribosomes but are not directly linked to energy production.
- C. Ribosomes: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, but they do not directly contribute to energy production.
- D. Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, but it is not involved in generating energy.
Thus, for cells that use a large amount of energy, mitochondria are essential and will be present in greater numbers to meet the high energy demands.