AEMCA Practice Exam

What function do mitochondria serve in a cell?

1. They produce ATP when combined with oxygen

2. They package proteins for secretion

3. They store genetic material

4. They are involved in detoxifying substances

The correct answer is: They produce ATP when combined with oxygen

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell due to their primary function of producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the cell. They achieve this through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation, which occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This process relies on oxygen as a final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, enabling the conversion of nutrients derived from the breakdown of food into usable energy in the form of ATP. Mitochondria have their own DNA and replicate independently of the cell, which suggests a unique evolutionary history, but their main role is strictly tied to energy production. Their ability to generate ATP is critical for various cellular processes, supporting functions across different types of cells. In contrast, the other options describe functions that do not align with the role of mitochondria. While cells do package proteins for secretion (a role carried out by the Golgi apparatus), store genetic material (which is primarily the function of the nucleus), and detoxify substances (often performed by the liver cells using various organelles including the smooth endoplasmic reticulum), these tasks fall outside the scope of what mitochondria are designed to do. Thus, the function of producing ATP when combined with