Question

The powerhouse of cell is first discovered by
a. C Benda in 1897
b. Kolliker in 1850
c. Claude in 1880
d. Kingsburg in 1882

Answer 1

The powerhouse of the cell is another name of Mitochondria. It is the most significant and membrane bound organelle found in all the eukaryotic cells. It was discovered by a Swiss scientist. The generation of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate is also aided by mitochondria.

Complete answer:
- The mitochondrion is a semi-autonomous double-membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic organisms.
- The word mitochondria comes from the Greek where míto(s) means "thread" and chóndrion means "granule".
- The cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is produced by mitochondria which is used as a source of chemical energy. The mitochondrion is thus termed “the powerhouse of the cell”.
- Physiologist Albert von Kolliker was the first person who discovered Mitochondria in 1857.
- Respiratory cycle like TCA ( tricarboxylic acid cycle) and electron transport system occurs in mitochondria.

Hence, the correct answer is option (b).

Additional information:
Mitochondria is divided into inner and outer membranes with intermembrane space between them. The outer membrane contains proteins. The inner membrane has different types of enzymes. Cristae are present in the inner membrane that increases the surface area available for energy production.

Note: Kolliker has made a number of contributions to science. He widely studied invertebrates, especially cephalopods, as well as vertebrates. He was among the first few people who introduced microscopic techniques. His contributions to histology are his investigation on bone, teeth, smooth muscle, skin, blood vessels, and viscera.