Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: HKL4EVER on 14/10/2009 01:22:41

Title: What determines the number of mitochondria in any given cell?
Post by: HKL4EVER on 14/10/2009 01:22:41

I have a biology lab worksheet and it says: All of the cells contain mitochondria but some of the cells are more active and use more energy than other cells. What evidence is there for that? I am kinda confuse with this question, and i am observing a liver cell of a salamander. So if anyone wants to reply, feel free to answer my question. Thank You  [:)]

Title: Re: What determines the number of mitochondria in any given cell?
Post by: Nizzle on 14/10/2009 14:36:24

The more mitochondria that are present in the cell, the higher capacity of energy usage.

You could devise an experiment like this:
You grow two types of human cells in a petri dish, one with high mitochondria count and one with low mitochondria count.
Add a fixed amount of glucose to both dishes and over time you'll observe a difference in glucose concentration.

This could be your evidence.

Liver cells tend to have a high mitochondria count because they have a lot of work to do in the animal body (mostly detoxing blood)