Question

The roadrunner has been struggling to run at its usual speed and catch prey due to a drought in the area. Complete the following statements by selecting the correct answer choices for each blank:

(6 points)
The organelle responsible for producing energy for the roadrunner's muscles is the
. When this organelle does not work efficiently, the roadrunner cannot produce enough
, making it difficult to run fast.

Another structure affected by dehydration is the
. When this structure cannot retain water properly, the cells lose their
, which weakens their structure and function.

Because of these organelle problems, the roadrunner's muscles do not have enough
and the cells are
, leading to slower running speed.

Answer 1

The organelle responsible for producing energy for the roadrunner's muscles is the **mitochondria**. When this organelle does not work efficiently, the roadrunner cannot produce enough **ATP** (adenosine triphosphate), making it difficult to run fast.

Another structure affected by dehydration is the **cell membrane**. When this structure cannot retain water properly, the cells lose their **turgor pressure**, which weakens their structure and function.

Because of these organelle problems, the roadrunner's muscles do not have enough **energy (ATP)** and the cells are **dehydrated**, leading to slower running speed.