THE CRITICAL QUESTION

"Other than the nucleus, what is the most essential organelle in a eukaryotic cell?"
I believe that other than the nucleus, the mitochondria in a cell is the most important organelle in a eukaryotic cell. The role of the mitochondria is to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cells chemical energy. Mitochondria contains matrix, soluble enzymes that catalyze small organic molecules, and cristae; internal compartments formed in the mitochondrion from inner membrane. They are studded with proteins, including ATP synthase (important enzymes that provide energy for the cell to use through the synthesis of  ATP's.)The mitochondria also controls cell growth.