What organelles are responsible for converting sugar and oxygen into ATP?

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they are the organelles responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process takes place through cellular respiration, where sugar (specifically glucose) and oxygen undergo a series of biochemical reactions. The end products of these reactions are ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.

Mitochondria contain enzymes and structures that facilitate the conversion of glucose into energy, allowing cells to perform various functions essential for survival and activity. This process not only fuels cellular activities but also plays a critical role in metabolism and energy balance within organisms.

Other organelles mentioned, like lysosomes, nuclei, and ribosomes, have different functions unrelated to ATP production. Lysosomes are involved in waste processing and digestion of macromolecules, nuclei serve as the control center holding genetic information, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. None of these organelles participate in the conversion of sugar and oxygen into ATP like the mitochondria do.