What structure is common to both plant and animal cells, allowing for energy production?

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of both plant and animal cells, as they are the primary site for energy production through the process of cellular respiration. This organelle is essential for converting biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which cells use to power various functions.

While plant cells also have chloroplasts for photosynthesis, mitochondria play a crucial role in energy production by breaking down glucose and other organic compounds. Both types of cells rely on mitochondria for ATP, making this structure a common feature critical for energy metabolism.

The nucleus is the control center of the cell and is involved in genetic information storage and transmission, but it does not directly produce energy. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, while the Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins, neither of which are directly responsible for energy production. This highlights why mitochondria specifically are the correct answer regarding energy production in both plant and animal cells.