Compared with most other cell types in the body, do skeletal muscle cells typically contain more mitochondria, and why?

• A. No; muscle cells rely mainly on lysosomes for ATP production, so they have fewer mitochondria.
• B. No; mitochondria are absent from differentiated skeletal muscle cells because their nuclei supply ATP directly.
• C. Yes; they have high ATP demand for repeated contraction, so they are enriched in mitochondria for aerobic respiration.
• D. Yes; mitochondria are needed primarily for storing glycogen used during muscle contraction.

Answer: (C)