6th Grade · Science · Activity · shared by Luke Morgan
Learn about mitochondria, ATP production, and cell energy with this 6th Grade Science activity on the cell's power plant.
Topic Snapshot: The Mitochondrial Power Plant
Every cell in your body needs a steady flow of energy to do its daily work. Mitochondria are the small parts of the cell that make this energy through a process called cell breathing. These parts have a special shape with two layers: a smooth outer skin and a very folded inner skin. These inner bends, called cristae, help by making more space for chemical changes to happen. Inside these areas, tiny proteins change food like sugar into a small molecule of energy called ATP. The deep inner compartment is full of a liquid that has the enzymes needed to start making energy. Because of this hard work, cells that move a lot, like those in your heart or leg muscles, have many more mitochondria than cells that stay still. This smart design makes sure every part of your body gets the fuel it needs to grow and stay alive.
3-2-1 Countdown
Based on the text above, complete the following sections to summarize your understanding of mitochondrial anatomy and function.
3 things you learned today about the anatomy and output of mitochondria:
2 interesting facts or connections you made regarding how structure affects energy production:
1 question you still have about how mitochondria function within the cell:
Reflection Question: If a person began training for a marathon, how might the number of mitochondria in their muscle cells change to support this new level of activity? Use evidence from the text to explain your reasoning.