Question

what is the main function of the mitochondria in an animal cell?
to control which substances enter and leave the cell
to store waste in the cell
to make proteins
to break down sugar and release energy that the cell can use

Explanation:

Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell. Through cellular respiration, they break down glucose (sugar) in the presence of oxygen. This process (like the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation) generates ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell.

• The cell membrane controls substance entry/exit.
• Vacuoles (in plant cells more prominently, but animal cells have small ones) can store waste.
• Ribosomes are the sites for protein synthesis.

Answer:

to break down sugar and release energy that the cell can use