Question

Who coined the term mitochondria?
(a) Altman
(b) Benda
(c) de Duve
(d) C. Golgi

Answer 1

Hint: He was one of the first microbiologists to use a microscope in studying the interior structure of cells. He was born in 1857, Berlin, Germany, and died in 1932, Turin, Italy. Mitochondria is a double- membrane- bound organelle present in nearly all eukaryotic organisms.

Complete answer:
The term “mitochondria” was coined in 1898 by Carl Benda, one of the first microbiologists to use a microscope in studying the interior structure of cells. He was born in 1857, Berlin, Germany, and died in 1932, Turin, Italy. The word mitochondria comes from the Greek word (i.e. the word mitos means thread, and word chondro means granule or grain- like) . The Mitochondria are rod- like or filamentous bodies, centers for internal respiration and energy metabolism. They generate most of the cell's supply of ATP (ATP) , used as a source of energy. A mitochondrion is thus regarded as the powerhouse of the cell. 
The mitochondria are composed of a double membrane system. A mitochondrion includes outer and inner membranes, which is made up of phospholipid bilayers and proteins. The outer membrane is smooth and completely envelops the organelle. The inner membrane is folded to make a crista, which occupies a bigger area. The interior chamber of mitochondria is mentioned as a matrix or mitosol.
There are five distinct parts to a mitochondrion, which are:
- The outer mitochondrial membrane, - The intermembrane area (the area between the outer and inner membranes), - The inner mitochondrial membrane, - The cristae area (the inner membrane is folded to make cristae),
- The matrix (space within the inner membrane).
So, the correct answer is ‘Benda’.¬

Additional Information:
- In 1890, Richard Altmann discovered Mitochondria and given the name bioblasts (which are life germs) .
- The popular expression "powerhouse of the cell" was given by Philip Siekevitz in 1957.


Note:  The foremost prominent functions of mitochondria are to supply the energy circulation of the cell, ATP (which is the phosphorylation of ADP) , through respiration, and to manage cellular metabolism. The central set of reactions involved in ATP production are collectively referred to as the acid cycle or the Krebs cycle. However, the mitochondrion has many other functions added to the assembly of ATP.