Question

Studies have shown that some medications can damage mitochondria. Which of the following would you predict to be the most likely long-term effect on an organism with damaged mitochondria? Proteins would not be modified after being synthesized, and the organism would be unable to grow. The organism would suffer as its cells would be less able to provide the energy needed to carry out life functions. Substances would not be able to enter or leave the cells of the organism, and affected cells would eventually burst. Errors would be made during DNA replication, and the organism would be more likely to develop cancer.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option The organism would suffer as its cells would be less able to provide the energy needed to carry out life functions.

The mitochondria is the site of the respiration in the eukaryotic organism. The Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain takes place in the mitochondria. In case of the mitochondrial damage the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain cannot take place. The Krebs cycle and the electron transport chains are responsible for generating the ATP molecules. Hence, in case of mitochondrial damage ATP cannot formed, and the organism would eventually run out of energy causing the important processes to shut.

Answer 2

The answer is that the organism would suffer as its cells would be less able to provide energy needed to carry out life functions.