Mitochondria - Structure and Function - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Chapter: The Fundamental Unit of Life | Topic: Mitochondria Structure and Function
MITOCHONDRIA - STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Topic: Mitochondria Structure and Function
Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouse of the cell" because they:
- Synthesize proteins
- Store genetic information
- Produce ATP through cellular respiration
- Manufacture lipids
Q2. The inner membrane of the mitochondrion is folded into structures called:
- Cristae
- Thylakoids
- Cisternae
- Lamellae
Q3. Mitochondria contain their own DNA, which is:
- Linear like nuclear DNA
- Circular like bacterial DNA
- Absent
- Double-stranded RNA
Q4. The matrix of the mitochondrion is the site of:
- Glycolysis
- Krebs cycle (Citric acid cycle)
- Photosynthesis
- Protein synthesis
Q5. Which of the following cells would you expect to have the MOST mitochondria?
- Skin cell
- Muscle cell
- Fat cell
- Bone cell
Short Answer Questions
Q6. Draw a well-labelled diagram of a mitochondrion and label its main parts: outer membrane, inner membrane, cristae, matrix, and mitochondrial DNA.
Q7. Explain why mitochondria are called "semi-autonomous organelles." What evidence supports this claim?
Q8. Describe the role of cristae in mitochondrial function. Why is the folding of the inner membrane important?
Q9. Why do muscle cells contain more mitochondria than skin cells? Explain the relationship between mitochondrial number and energy demand.
Long Answer Questions
Q10. Describe the structure of a mitochondrion in detail. How does its structure support its function as the "powerhouse of the cell"?
Q11. Explain the endosymbiotic theory regarding the origin of mitochondria. What evidence supports the idea that mitochondria were once free-living bacteria?
APPLICATION / ANALYSIS
Q12. An athlete is training for a marathon. During training, the number of mitochondria in her muscle cells increases significantly.
(a) Why does the body increase mitochondrial number in response to endurance training?
(b) If the athlete stops training for 3 months, what would happen to the mitochondrial count in her muscles? Explain.
(c) A sports supplement claims to "boost mitochondrial function." What scientific tests would you design to verify this claim?
Q13. A child is diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease that affects the function of Complex I in the electron transport chain.
(a) Which part of cellular respiration would be most affected by this defect?
(b) Why do mitochondrial diseases often affect the brain, muscles, and heart more severely than other organs?
(c) If a mother has this mitochondrial disease, can she pass it to her children? Explain the pattern of inheritance.