Which metabolic processes require mitochondria?

The correct answer is C, which identifies the TCA cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle) and ATP production as metabolic processes that require mitochondria. The TCA cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, where acetyl-CoA, derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, is oxidized to produce electron carriers like NADH and FADH2. These carriers are then utilized in the electron transport chain, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

Mitochondria serve as the powerhouse of the cell, highlighting their critical role in energy metabolism. The process of ATP production linked to the TCA cycle is vital for cellular energy needs, making mitochondria essential for these metabolic functions. The generation of energy in the form of ATP through these pathways is a hallmark of aerobic respiration, which occurs exclusively in the presence of mitochondria.

In contrast, the other choices involve processes that either occur in the cytoplasm or do not require mitochondrial involvement. Amino acid synthesis occurs primarily in the cytoplasm, where various enzymes synthesize amino acids from other substrates. Glycolysis, which breaks down glucose to pyruvate, also takes place in the cytoplasm and does not involve mitochondria.