Question

specialized cells
muscle cells have more mitochondria than kidney cells. a primary function of the kidneys is to filter waste from the blood.

3
essay 2 points
using your understanding of organelle function, explain why muscle cells might have more mitochondria than kidney cells, while kidney cells have lots of smooth er and lysosomes.
be sure to connect the structure to the function.

Explanation:

Muscle cells need more energy (ATP) for contraction, so more mitochondria (energy - producing organelles) are required. Mitochondria's structure (double - membrane, cristae for increased surface area) supports ATP production. Muscle contraction is energy - intensive, so the high energy demand drives the need for more mitochondria. Kidney cells filter blood (e.g., reabsorption, excretion), which involves processes like active transport (for reabsorbing nutrients) that also need energy, but muscle contraction is a more continuous and high - energy - consuming process. Smooth ER in kidney cells is involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification (relevant for filtering blood), and lysosomes help break down waste materials filtered from the blood, so kidney cells have more of these organelles to support their filtering function.

Answer:

Muscle cells require more energy for contraction, so they have more mitochondria (mitochondria produce ATP, and muscle contraction is energy - intensive). Kidney cells filter blood: smooth ER aids in detoxification/lipid processing for filtered substances, and lysosomes break down waste, so kidney cells have more smooth ER and lysosomes. Mitochondria's structure (cristae for surface area) supports ATP production, matching muscle's energy needs.