Which Organelle is Known as the Powerhouse of the Cell?

All living organisms are made up of cells, which represent the basic unit of life. Some organisms, like bacteria or yeast, consist of a single cell, while others, like plants, animals, fish, birds, or humans, are made up of millions of cells. 

The cell is organised into many specialised tissues, organs, and organelles. These cells require energy for most cellular activities. 

But do you know which organelle is known as the Powerhouse of the cell? Let’s explore this article in detail and learn more about the powerhouse of the cell.

What is a Cell?

According to the NHGRI, a cell is basic buildig block of living things. It is the fundamental structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organism.

It is divided into two group, eukaryotic and prokaryotic. 

Eukaryotes have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotes do not. 

What is an Organelle?

An Organelle is a sub-structure of a cell which has multiple functions to perform in the cell. Among the important cell organelles, nuclei are used to store the information, mitochondria are used to produce chemical energy, and ribosomes assemble proteins.

Which Organelle is Known as the Powerhouse of the Cell?

An organelle is a specific structure, and there are many important cell organelles, but among these, there is one organelle which is also known as the powerhouse of the cell.

As per the NCERT, “Mitochondria are often called the ‘powerhouses of the cell’ because they supply the energy needed for most cellular activities.”

What are Mitochondria?

Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles, a mitochondrial singular, that generate most of the chemical energy which is required to power the cell for biochemical reactions.

Every mitochondrion is surrounded by two membranes, which are:

1. Outer Membrane: The outer membrane of mitochondria has smooth pores that allow liquid and air to pass very easily.

2. Inner Membrane: The inner membrane is folded into finger-like projections called ‘cristae’, which increase the surface area for chemical reactions and facilitate the production of energy.

In mitochondria, glucose and other molecules are broken down to release the energy; this process is called cellular respiration.

The chemical energy which is produced by mitochondria is stored in small molecules called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).

Source: NCERT

What is the genetic System of Mitochondria?

As per the National Library of Medicine, mitochondria contain their own genetic system, which is separate and distinct from the nuclear genome of the cell. Mitochondrial genomes are usually circular DNA molecules, like bacteria.

So, this article is all about the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. Stick these important points regarding mitochondria in your notes.