Question

Powerhouse of cell is: ____.

• A. Ribosome
• B. Nucleus
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Golgi body

Hint:

Mitochondria contain their own circular DNA and 70S ribosomes, meaning they can make some of their own proteins. This makes them "semi-autonomous" organelles!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Different cellular structures (organelles) have specific specialized roles inside the cell, mimicking a miniature city factory.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Mitochondria are called the "Powerhouses of the cell" because they are the primary sites of aerobic respiration. They break down organic nutrients to generate cellular energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) molecules, which the cell uses to drive various biochemical functions.
• Ribosomes: Known as protein factories.
• Nucleus: The brain or control center of the cell.
• Golgi body: The packaging and shipping department.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The powerhouse of the cell is the mitochondria.

Answer 2

The phrase "powerhouse of the cell" is a functional description, so answering this correctly means matching each organelle to its actual job and seeing which one is genuinely responsible for energy production.

1. Ribosome: Ribosomes read messenger RNA and assemble amino acids into proteins; they are involved in protein synthesis, not energy generation, so this option does not fit the description.
2. Nucleus: The nucleus stores and protects the cell's genetic material and controls gene expression, acting more like a control centre than an energy source.
3. Mitochondria: Mitochondria break down glucose and other nutrients through aerobic respiration to produce ATP, the molecule cells use as usable energy currency. Because they are the site of most of the cell's ATP production, they are literally the organelle that generates power for the cell.
4. Golgi body: The Golgi body modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport to their destinations, functioning like a shipping department rather than an energy generator.

Checking each organelle's actual function shows that only mitochondria are directly responsible for producing the cell's usable energy.

Therefore, the correct answer is Mitochondria.