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:

1. Mitochondria break chemical bonds of glucose to release energy for cell work, hence called powerhouse.
2. Active cells like muscle cells need more energy, so have more mitochondria.
3. Glucose is the simple sugar broken down in mitochondria.
4. Glucose is broken down by aerobic cellular respiration in mitochondria.
5. In humans and animals, glucose comes from the food we eat.
6. It's called aerobic because the process requires oxygen.
7. ATP (adenosine - triphosphate) is the energy - carrying molecule created when glucose bonds are broken.

Answer:

1. They break the chemical bonds of glucose to release energy for cell work.
2. Active cells such as muscle cells.
3. Glucose.
4. Aerobic cellular respiration.
5. The food we eat.
6. Because it requires oxygen.
7. ATP (adenosine - triphosphate).