Which organelle is primarily responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?

• A. Lysosome
• B. Endoplasmic reticulum
• C. Mitochondrion
• D. Golgi apparatus

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of ATP in cells: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of the cell, used to power various biological processes.
2. Recall the process of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
3. Identify the organelle responsible for cellular respiration: The mitochondrion is the organelle in eukaryotic cells where the majority of ATP is produced through cellular respiration.
4. Differentiate the functions of other organelles: The lysosome is involved in breaking down waste, the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, and the Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins. None of these are directly responsible for ATP production.
5. Conclude that the mitochondrion is the correct answer because it is the site of the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, the main stages of ATP production in cellular respiration.