Question

which statement best explains how mitochondria help a cell get the materials it needs?

a. they push particles against their natural direction of flow.

b. they provide instructions needed to make proteins from amino acids.

c. they use energy from sunlight to change inorganic matter into organic matter.

d. they convert energy stored in organic compounds into a usable form.

Explanation:

• Option A: Pushing particles against their natural flow is active transport, done by membrane proteins, not mitochondria.
• Option B: Instructions for protein synthesis come from DNA/RNA, not mitochondria.
• Option C: Using sunlight to make organic matter is photosynthesis, done by chloroplasts (in plants/algae), not mitochondria.
• Option D: Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of the cell. They perform cellular respiration, converting energy from organic compounds (like glucose) into ATP, a usable form of energy for the cell to obtain and use materials.

Answer:

D. They convert energy stored in organic compounds into a usable form.