The correct answer is b) mitochondria.
Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they are responsible for producing the majority of the cell’s supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as a source of chemical energy. ATP is crucial for various cellular functions and processes, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and the biosynthesis of macromolecules.
The structure of mitochondria is particularly well-suited for their function. They have a double membrane; the inner membrane is folded into structures known as cristae, which increase the surface area available for chemical reactions to occur. Within the mitochondria, a series of metabolic pathways, known as cellular respiration, take place. During this process, nutrients are converted into ATP through a series of biochemical reactions.
In contrast, the nucleus is the control center of the cell, housing the cell’s genetic material, while the plasma (or plasma membrane) is the outer layer that regulates what enters and leaves the cell. The cell wall is a rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection, but it is not involved in energy production.