Which one of the following is called the Power House of the cell?

RRB Staff Nurse Kolkata-2015

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Kolkata-2015

Explanation

Mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell.
Their primary role is to generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of chemical energy.
This energy production occurs through the process of aerobic respiration, which includes the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.
Cells with high energy requirements, such as muscle cells and neurons, have a large number of mitochondria.

Option A: The nucleus is the 'control center' of the cell, not the powerhouse. It contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls all cellular activities, including growth and reproduction.
Option B: Ribosomes are the 'protein factories' of the cell. Their function is to synthesize proteins, not to produce energy.
Option C: Lysosomes are the 'waste disposal' or 'suicidal bags' of the cell. They contain digestive enzymes to break down cellular waste, debris, and foreign invaders.

Visual 1: Diagram - An annotated diagram of an animal cell, clearly labeling the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and lysosomes to show their location and relative size.
Visual 2: Infographic - A detailed illustration of a mitochondrion, highlighting its double membrane, cristae, and matrix, with callouts explaining where ATP synthesis occurs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions of Cellular Organelles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the function of mitochondria is crucial in comprehending certain metabolic diseases and the mechanism of action of some toxins. For example, cyanide is a potent poison that blocks the electron transport chain in mitochondria, halting ATP production and causing rapid cell death.
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of genetic disorders that affect mitochondrial function. Nurses may care for patients with symptoms like muscle weakness (myopathy), fatigue, and neurological problems, which are common manifestations due to impaired energy production.
What if? - If a patient has a diagnosed mitochondrial myopathy, a nurse's priority would be to manage fatigue, monitor for cardiac and respiratory complications, and provide education on energy conservation techniques, as the patient's muscle cells cannot produce enough energy for sustained activity.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from basic biology/physiology.
Identify the key phrase in the question: 'Power House of the cell'.
This is a common nickname for a specific organelle.
Recall the primary functions of the organelles listed in the options.
Match the nickname 'Power House' to the organelle responsible for energy (ATP) production.
Mitochondria is the organelle that fits this description.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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