why is mitochondria important in muscle cells
Image: Cell featuring mitochondria. Mitochondria are tiny organelles inside cells that are involved in releasing energy from food. This process is known as cellular respiration. It is for this reason that mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell.Cells that need a lot of energy, like muscle cells, can contain thousands of mitochondria.Apart from cellular respiration, mitochondria also play a key role in the ageing process as well as in the onset of degenerative disease.t is for this reason that mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. Cells that need a lot of energy, like muscle cells, can contain thousands of mitochondria.