Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?

The mitochondria are referred to as the powerhouse of the cell due to their crucial role in energy production through a process called cellular respiration. This organelle is responsible for converting the chemical energy stored in glucose and other nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy currency of the cell. The process involves several steps, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, all of which take place within the mitochondria.

Mitochondria have unique features that support their function, such as their double membrane structure, which creates compartments for different stages of energy production, and their own circular DNA, which enables them to produce some of the proteins required for their operation independently. This energy production is vital for maintaining various cellular functions, including muscle contraction, biosynthesis, and overall cellular homeostasis.

The other organelles play different, albeit essential, roles within the cell. For example, the Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell. Lysosomes function as the digestive system of the cell, breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA into polypeptide chains. Each