The part of the cell that converts food into energy is called the mitochondria. Often referred to as the ‘powerhouse’ of the cell, mitochondria are responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the cell. This process is known as cellular respiration.
Here’s how it works: The mitochondria take in nutrients from the food we eat and break them down through a series of chemical reactions. These reactions release energy, which is then used to produce ATP. This ATP is then used by the cell to perform various functions, such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and chemical synthesis.
In summary, the mitochondria play a crucial role in converting the energy stored in food into a form that the cell can use to carry out its activities.