Which organelle is the primary site of energy production through cellular respiration?

Which organelle is the primary site of energy production through cellular respiration?

• A. Mitochondria
• B. Chloroplast
• C. Nucleus
• D. Ribosome

Answer: (A)

Cellular respiration mainly occurs in mitochondria, the cell’s energy factories. Inside, the citric acid cycle runs in the matrix to break down fuels and generate electron carriers, which feed the electron transport chain on the inner membrane. As electrons move through this chain, a proton gradient powers ATP synthase to produce ATP, the cell’s main energy currency. Chloroplasts handle photosynthesis in plants, not respiration. The nucleus houses genetic material, and ribosomes are for making proteins. So mitochondria are the primary site where energy is produced through cellular respiration.

Cellular respiration mainly occurs in mitochondria, the cell’s energy factories. Inside, the citric acid cycle runs in the matrix to break down fuels and generate electron carriers, which feed the electron transport chain on the inner membrane. As electrons move through this chain, a proton gradient powers ATP synthase to produce ATP, the cell’s main energy currency. Chloroplasts handle photosynthesis in plants, not respiration. The nucleus houses genetic material, and ribosomes are for making proteins. So mitochondria are the primary site where energy is produced through cellular respiration.