Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?

The organelle known as the powerhouse of the cell is the mitochondria. This name arises from its critical role in cellular respiration, the process by which cells convert nutrients into usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Mitochondria are unique because they have their own DNA, allowing them to produce some of the proteins needed for their functions independently of the cell's nuclear DNA. The energy generated in mitochondria fuels various cellular processes, making them essential for the survival and functioning of eukaryotic cells.

In contrast, the nucleus serves as the control center for the cell, housing genetic material but not directly involved in energy production. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, translating genetic information into proteins, and do not have a role in energy production. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell but does not produce energy. This distinction underscores why mitochondria are designated as the powerhouse of the cell.