The organelle responsible for energy production in both plants and animals is the mitochondrion. Often referred to as the ‘powerhouse of the cell,’ mitochondria play a critical role in converting nutrients into energy.
In plants, another organelle called chloroplasts is also involved in energy production through the process of photosynthesis, where sunlight is converted into chemical energy. However, the primary site for energy production in animal cells is the mitochondrion.
Mitochondria generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell, through a process called cellular respiration. This involves breaking down glucose and other nutrients in the presence of oxygen to release energy stored in their chemical bonds. Therefore, both plants and animals depend on these organelles to meet their energy needs for growth, repair, and other vital functions.