Why Mitochondria?
Why is mitochondria important for the cell? After this activity, you will have a better idea!
Procedure:
- For this activity, we will be doing hand presses. A hand press is: opening one hand all the way, fingers spread as far apart as they can go, and closing the hand all the way into a tight fist. ONE hand press is open all the way, closed all the way.
- See how many hand presses you can do in one minute. We will be doing this 5 times for one minute each. As soon as I say STOP, write down the number of hand presses you did for that round.
- Start your counting over at zero, and do it again!
- Make sure to record your data in the chart below.
| TRIAL # | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| # of Hand Presses | | | | | |
What's going on?
Mitochondria uses materials in the cell to make energy for the cell. Mitochondria makes a lot of energy (and carbon dioxide is released too!), but it needs oxygen to do so. When there is lack of oxygen, like during the hand presses or exercise, the mitochondria can no longer do its job. The cell can still make energy though, outside of the mitochondria. However, instead of releasing energy AND carbon dioxide, it releases energy AND lactic acid. The buildup of lactic acid is what causes the pain after lots of exercise. Without mitochondria, we would ALWAYS feel that burn!
Mitochondria uses materials in the cell to make energy for the cell. Mitochondria makes a lot of energy (and carbon dioxide is released too!), but it needs oxygen to do so. When there is lack of oxygen, like during the hand presses or exercise, the mitochondria can no longer do its job. The cell can still make energy though, outside of the mitochondria. However, instead of releasing energy AND carbon dioxide, it releases energy AND lactic acid. The buildup of lactic acid is what causes the pain after lots of exercise. Without mitochondria, we would ALWAYS feel that burn!
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