Which type of cells would likely contain a high number of mitochondria?

Muscle cells are specialized for contraction and require a significant amount of energy to function effectively. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy currency of the cell. Since muscle cells engage in high levels of activity and require continuous energy for movement and other functions, they contain a high number of mitochondria to meet their energy demands.

The abundance of mitochondria in muscle cells enables them to generate ATP efficiently, especially during sustained physical activity. This feature is particularly evident in types of muscle fibers, such as slow-twitch fibers, which are adapted for endurance and have an even greater density of mitochondria. In contrast, other cell types, like skin cells, red blood cells, and fat cells, do not require as much energy for their primary functions, thus having fewer mitochondria overall.