Question

Give reasons why mitochondria are called ‘power houses’ and ATP as energy currency of the cell.

Answer 1

Mitochondria:

1. Mitochondria use oxygen and bring about stepwise oxidation of foodstuffs (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) present in the cells to produce carbon dioxide and water and called cellular respiration.
2. Oxidation of food releases energy which is temporarily stored to form high-energy ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules.
3. ATP is used to bring about energy-requiring activities of the cell.
4. When the body requires energy, then these ATP molecules combine with water and form Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and provide energy to the body.
5. ATP + Water = ADP + Phosphate + Energy
6. On this account, mitochondria are called 'power houses' of the cell, and ATP is the ‘energy currency’ of the cell.