Question

Why is/would there be more mitochondria in fibroblast cells vs kidney cells? (both mammalian)

give supporting evidence. thanks.

Answer 1

Answer. The function of both fibroblast and kidney cells vary. The nephrons which are the functional unit of the kidney helps in filtering the blood as per the concentration gradient and is supported by various hormones like vasopressin, aldosterone etc thus, its mitochondrial requirement is not much.

But fibroblasts are the main cells of the connective tissue that forms the collagen and the elastin fibers, along with that it also forms the matrix of the connective tissue. Thus, for continuous synthesis process it needs to maintain the optimum energy levels. As we know, mitochondria are the power house of the cell that provide energy in the form of ATP. Thus, more mitochondria means more energy production and the better and efficiently the synthesis process can occur in the fibroblasts.