What structure is responsible for converting nutrients into energy?

What structure is responsible for converting nutrients into energy?

• A. Ribosome
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Lysosome
• D. Golgi apparatus

Answer: (B)

The structure responsible for converting nutrients into energy is the mitochondria. Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell" because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy currency of the cell. This process occurs through cellular respiration, where nutrients such as glucose are oxidized, and the energy released is captured in the form of ATP. Mitochondria have a unique double membrane system that facilitates this energy conversion process. The inner membrane is highly folded into structures called cristae, which increase the surface area for the electron transport chain, a key component of ATP production. This functionality highlights the crucial role of mitochondria in metabolism and energy production within cells. In contrast, while ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis, they do not play a direct role in energy conversion. Lysosomes are involved in digesting waste materials and cellular debris, and the Golgi apparatus functions in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids but does not convert nutrients into energy. Thus, mitochondria are uniquely equipped for the role of energy conversion, making them the correct answer.

The structure responsible for converting nutrients into energy is the mitochondria. Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell" because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy currency of the cell. This process occurs through cellular respiration, where nutrients such as glucose are oxidized, and the energy released is captured in the form of ATP.

Mitochondria have a unique double membrane system that facilitates this energy conversion process. The inner membrane is highly folded into structures called cristae, which increase the surface area for the electron transport chain, a key component of ATP production. This functionality highlights the crucial role of mitochondria in metabolism and energy production within cells.

In contrast, while ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis, they do not play a direct role in energy conversion. Lysosomes are involved in digesting waste materials and cellular debris, and the Golgi apparatus functions in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids but does not convert nutrients into energy. Thus, mitochondria are uniquely equipped for the role of energy conversion, making them the correct answer.