Which organelle is primarily responsible for energy production?

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Multiple Choice

Which organelle is primarily responsible for energy production?

Energy in cells is captured as ATP, and the organelle most responsible is the mitochondrion. It carries out cellular respiration—the Krebs cycle happens in the matrix and the electron transport chain sits on the inner mitochondrial membrane—where the flow of electrons creates a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase to convert ADP into ATP. The folds of the inner membrane, called cristae, provide a large surface area for these reactions to occur efficiently. The nucleus stores genetic material, and the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in making proteins and lipids, while chloroplasts in plant cells capture light energy to synthesize sugars; however, the immediate production of energy currency in most cells comes from mitochondria.

Energy in cells is captured as ATP, and the organelle most responsible is the mitochondrion. It carries out cellular respiration—the Krebs cycle happens in the matrix and the electron transport chain sits on the inner mitochondrial membrane—where the flow of electrons creates a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase to convert ADP into ATP. The folds of the inner membrane, called cristae, provide a large surface area for these reactions to occur efficiently. The nucleus stores genetic material, and the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in making proteins and lipids, while chloroplasts in plant cells capture light energy to synthesize sugars; however, the immediate production of energy currency in most cells comes from mitochondria.

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