Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which organelle is responsible for the production of energy in a cell?

1. Lysosomes

2. Mitochondria

3. Golgi complex

4. Endoplasmic reticulum

The correct answer is: Mitochondria

The mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell because they are the organelles responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process occurs through cellular respiration, where the mitochondria convert the energy stored in nutrients into a usable form of energy. Mitochondria not only produce ATP but are also involved in various metabolic pathways and play a crucial role in regulating cellular metabolism and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Their structure, which includes a double membrane and unique DNA, allows them to efficiently carry out these energy-producing processes. The other organelles mentioned have different functions: lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal, the Golgi complex is important for modifying and packaging proteins, and the endoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in the synthesis of proteins and lipids.