Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria are referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they are the primary site of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production through a process called cellular respiration. This organelle is key in converting the energy stored in food molecules into a usable form of energy for the cell. The process occurs in several stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, all of which take place in or around the mitochondria.

Mitochondria contain their own DNA and ribosomes, and they are capable of reproducing independently within the cell. This unique feature supports their role in energy metabolism and suggests an evolutionary link to ancient prokaryotic organisms.

In contrast, ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, the nucleus houses genetic material and regulates gene expression, and the endoplasmic reticulum plays a role in the synthesis of proteins and lipids. While each of these organelles is essential for cell function, they do not perform the critical energy-generating functions associated with mitochondria.