Question 16 of 19intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

What outcome do you expect, if all the mitochondria are removed from a eukaryotic cell?

Correct Answer

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they supply the energy needed for most cellular activities. They facilitate energy production through chemical reactions on their inner folded membranes called cristae.

If all the mitochondria are removed from a eukaryotic cell, the cell will be deprived of its primary source of energy. Without this energy supply, the cell will not be able to carry out most of its essential cellular activities. As a result, the cell will lose its functionality and eventually die due to the lack of energy required for survival.

Exercise: Revise, Reflect, Refine | Q: 12
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook context explicitly identifies mitochondria as the 'powerhouses of the cell' that supply energy for most cellular activities. Therefore, removing them would directly result in the cell losing its energy source, making it unable to perform its functions and likely leading to cell death.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the primary function of mitochondria from the context, which is acting as the 'powerhouse of the cell' to supply energy for cellular activities.

  2. Step 2: Deduce the outcome of removing this organelle, concluding that the cell will lack the necessary energy to perform its functions and will eventually die.