Explain why a cell with many mitochondria is able to carry out more active transport than a cell with few mitochondria.

Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 1.1 Cell biology · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Active transport is a process used by cells to move substances against a concentration gradient across a cell membrane.

Model answer (4 marks)

Mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration, which releases ATP as energy.
Active transport requires ATP to power the transport proteins.
A cell with many mitochondria produces more ATP, so it can power more active transport.
Thus a cell with many mitochondria can carry out more active transport than one with few.

Examiner tips

Use the term ‘ATP’ and link it to active transport explicitly.
Show the causal chain: mitochondria → ATP → active transport.
Mention that more mitochondria = more ATP available.
Keep the answer concise and to the point.

Common mistakes

Confusing passive transport with active transport.
Failing to mention ATP as the energy source.
Using vague phrases like ‘more energy’ without specifying ATP.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Mitochondria are the site of (aerobic) respiration
Respiration releases ATP / energy
Active transport requires energy (ATP) to work
More mitochondria means more energy / ATP available, so more active transport can occur

Key terms in this question

mitochondria · active transport