Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse" of the cell?

The mitochondria are referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell because they are responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy carrier in cells. Through a process called cellular respiration, mitochondria convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP, which cells use to power various activities and functions. This role is crucial for maintaining cellular function and supporting activities such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biosynthesis, making mitochondria essential for life in aerobic organisms.

In contrast to other organelles, such as ribosomes, which are involved in protein synthesis, or the Golgi apparatus, which processes and packages proteins, mitochondria specifically focus on energy production. Chloroplasts, on the other hand, are involved in photosynthesis and energy conversion in plant cells, distinct from the energy production function of mitochondria in both plant and animal cells. This unique ability to generate energy is what solidifies the position of mitochondria as the cell's powerhouse.