Ace the MTEL Adventure 2025 – Educator's Path to Success!

The mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell because they are the primary site of energy production through a process called cellular respiration. This process involves converting nutrients, particularly glucose, into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the cell. Mitochondria contain enzymes that facilitate this metabolic process, utilizing oxygen in aerobic respiration, thereby releasing energy that cells use to perform various functions.

In contrast, the nucleus is primarily responsible for storing genetic material and coordinating cellular activities, such as growth and reproduction, rather than energy production. Ribosomes play a crucial role in protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA but do not contribute to the generation of energy. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell, without a direct role in energy production.