Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What is the role of mitochondria in a cell?

1. Protein transport

2. Energy production

3. Lipid detoxification

4. Redox reactions

The correct answer is: Energy production

Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell due to their fundamental role in energy production. They are responsible for generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy currency of the cell. This process occurs through cellular respiration, specifically during oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain. Mitochondria take in nutrients, break them down, and convert the energy stored in those nutrients into ATP, which cells can then utilize to perform various functions, such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and biosynthesis of macromolecules. In contrast, protein transport, lipid detoxification, and redox reactions are associated with other cellular organelles or processes. For instance, the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are primarily involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins, whereas peroxisomes play a significant role in lipid metabolism and detoxification. Redox reactions occur throughout the cell but are particularly notable in processes that involve electron transfer, which may involve various enzymes rather than being exclusive to the mitochondria. Thus, the mitochondria's essential function is energy production, making it the correct answer.