A doctor sees a patient who has kidney failure, lack of motor coordination, and a poorly functioning nervous system. After testing, the doctor finds that these symptoms are all related to a chronic lack of energy in some of the patient's cells. The doctor diagnoses a metabolic disorder known as Leigh's disease.

Question

Based on this evidence, a malfunction in what organelle is most likely responsible for Leigh's disease?
Responses

Ribosomes
Ribosomes

Nucleus
Nucleus

Golgi apparatus
Golgi apparatus

Mitochondria

Answer 1

Leigh's disease is a severe neurological disorder that is often associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through the process of cellular respiration. A malfunction in the mitochondria could lead to a chronic lack of energy in cells, which aligns with the symptoms described in the patient, such as kidney failure, lack of motor coordination, and poorly functioning nervous system.

Therefore, the most likely organelle responsible for Leigh's disease is:

Mitochondria