How does an actively respiring mitochondrion gain the oxygen it needs to continue its metabolism?
A) Oxygenated hemoglobin crosses the cell membrane,docks to receptors on the mitochondrion's surface,and delivers its oxygen.
B) Cells have internal pigment molecules that collect the oxygen released by hemoglobin and transport it within the cytosol.
C) Because it is consuming oxygen in chemical reactions the mitochondrial oxygen concentration is low;oxygen simply diffuses in.
D) The mitochondrial enzymes can reprocess carbon dioxide back to molecular oxygen to maintain its metabolism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the mitochondrion is consuming oxygen in its metabolic reactions, the oxygen concentration around the mitochondrion is lower than the surrounding environment. Therefore, oxygen diffuses from high concentration (outside the cell) to low concentration (inside the cell) through the cell membrane to reach the mitochondrion.

How Does an Actively Respiring Mitochondrion Gain the Oxygen It