Mitochondria are responsible for converting which types of macromolecules into energy?

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they play a crucial role in energy production through a process called cellular respiration. This process involves breaking down various macromolecules to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell.

Mitochondria convert macromolecules from proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into energy. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters the glycolysis pathway before being processed in the mitochondria. Similarly, fats are broken down through beta-oxidation to produce acetyl-CoA, which then enters the Krebs cycle. Proteins can also be converted into energy when they are broken down into amino acids, which undergo deamination and can enter the metabolic pathways in the mitochondria.

Understanding this comprehensive role is essential for recognizing how various food sources contribute to energy production during metabolism. Therefore, it is clear why the answer includes all three macromolecule types, as the mitochondria are equipped to handle each, making option C the most accurate choice.