Which of the Following is Descriptive of Mitochondrial Function

Question

Which of the following is descriptive of mitochondrial function?
A) Lactic acid production
B) Glycolysis
C) Aerobic catabolism
D) Protein synthesis

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell due to their role in aerobic catabolism, which is the process of breaking down nutrients to produce energy in the form of ATP. Mitochondria are the site of oxidative phosphorylation, the final stage of cellular respiration that produces the majority of ATP for the cell. Lactic acid production (A) and glycolysis (B) occur in the cytoplasm and do not involve mitochondria. Protein synthesis (D) occurs on ribosomes, which are not located in the mitochondria.