Why do skeletal muscle cells typically contain more mitochondria than many other cell types?

• A. They contain more mitochondria because mitochondria are the site of glycolysis, which dominates ATP production in muscle.
• B. They need mitochondria mainly to store calcium long-term as a static reservoir.
• C. They have high ATP demand for repeated contraction, and mitochondria produce ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
• D. They require mitochondria primarily to synthesize DNA for rapid cell division.

Answer: (C)