Muscle cells in athletes often have more mitochondria than muscle cells in nonathletes. What can be inferred from this observation?

Question

A.
Muscle cells in athletes have a smaller supply of cell proteins than muscle cells of nonathletes.

B.
Muscle cells in athletes reproduce less frequently than muscle cells of nonathletes.

C.
Muscle cells in athletes have nuclei containing more DNA than nuclei in muscle cells of nonathletes.

D.
Muscle cells in athletes have a greater demand for energy than muscle cells of nonathletes.

Answer 1

The correct inference from the observation that muscle cells in athletes often have more mitochondria than muscle cells in nonathletes is:

D. Muscle cells in athletes have a greater demand for energy than muscle cells of nonathletes.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell because they are responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through the process of cellular respiration. Since athletes typically engage in more intense and sustained physical activity, their muscle cells require more energy, which is why they have an increased number of mitochondria to meet this demand.