Which of the following statements is true concerning mitochondria and nerve cells?

• A. Nerve cells contain a high number of mitochondria to meet their energy demands.
• B. Mitochondria in nerve cells are only active during cell division.
• C. Mitochondria are absent in nerve cells because they rely solely on glycolysis.
• D. Nerve cells use chloroplasts instead of mitochondria for ATP production.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of mitochondria: Mitochondria are organelles responsible for producing ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration. They are essential for energy-intensive processes in cells.
2. Consider the energy demands of nerve cells: Nerve cells (neurons) require significant amounts of energy to maintain their functions, such as transmitting electrical signals, maintaining ion gradients, and synthesizing neurotransmitters. This high energy demand necessitates a large number of mitochondria.
3. Evaluate the statement about mitochondria being active only during cell division: Nerve cells are specialized and typically do not divide after differentiation. Mitochondria in nerve cells are active continuously to meet the energy demands of the cell, not just during cell division.
4. Assess the statement about mitochondria being absent in nerve cells: This is incorrect because nerve cells rely on mitochondria for ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis alone cannot meet the energy demands of nerve cells.
5. Analyze the statement about nerve cells using chloroplasts: Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are involved in photosynthesis, not ATP production in animal cells. Nerve cells, being animal cells, do not contain chloroplasts and rely on mitochondria for energy production.