Question

Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell? Why?

Answer 1

Hint: Cell organelles are present inside a cell and they have specific functions. There are various types of cell organelles present inside a cell.

Complete answer:
The cell organelle which is commonly known as “Powerhouse of the cell” is mitochondria. A mitochondria is a membrane bound cell organelle which is responsible for producing ATPs. As ATP is the major energy molecule in the cell, this is why mitochondria is known as the powerhouse of the cell.

Let us now know a little more about the structure of mitochondria.
>It is a double membrane and road shaped structure found in the cytoplasm of the cell.
>It has an outer membrane, middle matrix and inner membrane.
>The outer membrane is made of proteins and it covers the surface of mitochondria and has various special proteins known as porins.
>The matrix separates the outer membrane and the inner membrane.
>The inner membrane is made up of phospholipid layers.

Now, let us know about the various functions of mitochondria.
>It is involved in various cellular activities like cell senescence, cell growth, cell signalling, etc.
>It regulates the metabolic activity of the cell.
>It has a major role in cell growth and programmed cell death.
>It also helps in detoxifying ammonia in the liver cells.

Note:There are various disorders associated with mitochondria. These disorders are quite severe and also cause an organ failure.
Examples - Barth syndrome, alpers disease, KSS