Why Is Mitochondria Important

272 Words2 Pages
The mitochondria commonly referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, is extremely important to the cell as it performs the chemical reaction known as “cellular respiration”. Cellular respiration is a chemical reaction where biochemical energy from nutrients, along with oxygen is converted to water, carbon dioxide, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (Bailey R). ATP is what allows you to move and perform the tasks that you do every day. Inside cells of your muscles, there are proteins that bind to ATP and allow the muscles to contract. When your body is no longer able to supply ATP, your muscles will stiffen and will no longer be able to move (Breslin M). ATP production is extremely reliant on the presence of oxygen, as it represents aerobic respiration

More about Why Is Mitochondria Important