ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ScienceHard
A patient is diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that affects the function of their mitochondria. Which of the following cellular processes would be most directly impaired by this condition?
- APhotosynthesis
- BDNA replication
- CProtein synthesis
- DCellular respiration
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Cellular respiration
Mitochondria are often referred to as the 'powerhouses' of the cell because they are the primary sites of cellular respiration, the process that generates the majority of ATP (energy) for the cell. Dysfunction in mitochondria would therefore most directly impair cellular respiration.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts in plant cells and some bacteria, not in human cells or mitochondria.
- B. DNA replication occurs in the nucleus (and mitochondria have their own DNA replication for mitochondrial DNA, but the primary cellular process is nuclear).
- C. Protein synthesis primarily occurs on ribosomes in the cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum, not directly in mitochondria.
Mitochondria
Membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells, primarily responsible for generating large quantities of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration.
- Often called the 'powerhouses' of the cell.
- Contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes.
- Involved in ATP production, calcium signaling, and apoptosis.
Memory trick: Mighty Mitochondria Make Much ATP.