6th Grade · Science · Activity · shared by Luke Morgan
Analyze cellular energy and mitochondria density in heart muscle and skin cells with this 6th Grade Science activity.
The Tale of Two Tissues: A Cellular Mystery
All cells in the human body require energy to function, but not all cells use energy at the same rate. Scientists recently conducted a study to compare the internal structures of two very different types of human tissue: heart muscle tissue and skin tissue (specifically from the outer layer of the arm). Both tissues are made of cells, but their jobs in the body are quite different. Your task is to analyze the data collected by these scientists to determine which tissue type requires a higher density of mitochondria to do its job.
Data Profile: Heart Muscle vs. Skin Cells
The following table shows the results of a microscopic analysis. Scientists measured the number of mitochondria per cell and the average amount of ATP (energy molecules) produced by each cell type every minute.
Cell Feature
Heart Muscle Cell
Skin Cell (Epidermis)
Average Number of Mitochondria per Cell
5,000
200
Primary Function
Constant, rhythmic contraction to pump blood
Protection and forming a waterproof barrier
ATP Production Rate (Units per Minute)
High (Continuous)
Low (Continuous)
Resting Period
None (Works
24
7
)
Long periods of inactivity
Mitochondria are small parts inside a cell that make the power it needs to work. Through a process called cellular respiration , these parts turn food into a special kind of energy. This energy acts like fuel that keeps the body moving and healthy. Parts of the body that do a lot of work or move all the time need more of this fuel to keep going. Because mitochondria make this power, cells that use a lot of energy usually have many more of them.
For instance, a cell in the heart must pump and beat every second of the day. This heart cell will have a high number of these energy makers. On the other hand, a skin cell mostly stays still…