Which is described as the 'Powerhouse of cells'?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Mitochondria are famously known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'.
Their primary function is to perform cellular respiration, a process that converts nutrients (like glucose) into adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP is the main energy currency used to power most cellular functions, from muscle contraction to nerve impulse transmission.
Cells with high energy requirements, such as cardiac muscle cells, contain thousands of mitochondria to meet their metabolic demands.

Option A: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not energy production. They are often called the 'protein factories' of the cell.
Option B: Norepinephrine is a catecholamine that functions as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. It is a chemical messenger, not a cellular organelle involved in energy production.
Option D: Proteins are the functional and structural molecules of the cell, but they do not generate the cell's primary energy currency (ATP). They are synthesized by ribosomes and often require energy (ATP) to function.

Visual 1: Diagram - A labeled diagram of an animal cell, clearly showing the location and structure of the mitochondrion, nucleus, ribosomes, and other key organelles. This helps visualize the different components and their spatial relationships.
Visual 2: Infographic - A flowchart illustrating the process of cellular respiration within the mitochondrion, showing how glucose and oxygen are converted into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Function of Cellular Organelles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding mitochondrial function is crucial because defects can lead to a group of diseases called mitochondrial myopathies, which primarily affect tissues with high energy demands like muscles and the brain.
Nurses may care for patients with these conditions, which can manifest as muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and neurological symptoms.
What if? - If a patient is administered a drug that inhibits mitochondrial function (a known side effect of some medications), the nurse should monitor for signs of cellular energy depletion, such as profound muscle weakness (rhabdomyolysis), fatigue, and lactic acidosis.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests foundational knowledge in biology.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'Powerhouse of cells'.
This is a classic, universally used metaphor in biology.
Scan the options to find the cellular organelle that matches this description.
Recall or deduce the primary function of each option: Ribosomes (protein synthesis), Norepinephrine (neurotransmitter), Mitochondria (energy/ATP production), Proteins (structural/functional molecules).
The function of Mitochondria directly aligns with the 'powerhouse' metaphor, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Guyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology 13e — Part 2 p. 487-489

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.