What is the main purpose of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

The main purpose of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells is the production of energy in the form of ATP. Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell because they play a critical role in cellular respiration, where glucose and oxygen are utilized to produce ATP. This process involves a series of biochemical reactions, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, all of which occur within the mitochondria.

Mitochondria have their own DNA and are involved in several other important functions, such as regulating metabolic pathways and cell signaling, as well as the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death). However, their primary and most vital function remains the production of ATP, which is essential for driving the myriad of energy-requiring processes within the cell.

In the context of the other options, digestion of cellular waste is typically carried out by lysosomes rather than mitochondria, while storage of lipids and carbohydrates is a function of organelles like the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and vacuoles. The maintenance of cellular structure primarily involves the cytoskeleton and other structural components, rather than the mitochondria themselves. Thus, the correct answer underscores the central role of mitochondria in energy