Question

how does the mitochondria produce energy for the cell? mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell because they burn or break the chemical bonds of glucose to release energy to do work in a cell. remember that this energy originally came from the sun and was stored in chemical bonds by plants during photosynthesis. glucose and other carbohydrates made by plants during photosynthesis are broken down by the process of aerobic cellular respiration (requires oxygen) in the mitochondria of the cell. this releases energy for the cell. atp is the energy - carrying molecule produced by the mitochondria through a series of chemical reactions. the more active a cell (such as a muscle cell), the more mitochondria it will have. the mitochondria are about the size of a bacterial cell and are often peanut - shaped. mitochondria have their own dna and a double membrane. the outer membrane (2) is smooth, while the inner membrane (1) is convoluted into folds called cristae (3) in order to increase the surface area. the matrix (4) is the space contained within the inner membrane. color: outer membrane (green) inner membrane / cristae (red) matrix (blue) dna (yellow) 1. why are mitochondria called the powerhouse of the cell? 2. what types of cells would have more mitochondria than others? 3. what simple sugar is broken down in the mitochondria? 4. glucose is broken down by the mitochondria by what process? 5. in humans (and other animals) where does this glucose come from? 6. why is this process called aerobic? 7. what energy - carrying molecule is created when the chemical bonds of glucose are broken?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall mitochondria function

Mitochondria break chemical bonds of glucose to release energy, so they are called the powerhouse of the cell.

Step2: Identify high - energy - demand cells

Cells that require a lot of energy, like muscle cells, have more mitochondria.

Step3: Name the sugar

The simple sugar broken down in mitochondria is glucose.

Step4: Name the process

Glucose is broken down by aerobic cellular respiration in mitochondria.

Step5: Determine glucose source

In humans and other animals, glucose comes from the food we eat.

Step6: Explain the term 'aerobic'

The process is called aerobic because it requires oxygen.

Step7: Identify the energy - carrying molecule

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is created when glucose bonds are broken.

Answer:

1. Because they break the chemical bonds of glucose to release energy for the cell to do work.
2. Muscle cells (and other cells with high - energy demands).
3. Glucose.
4. Aerobic cellular respiration.
5. The food we eat.
6. Because it requires oxygen.
7. ATP (adenosine triphosphate).