Which will reduce competition within a species' population?
fewer individuals
higher birthrate
fewer resources
higher population density

Ibelieve the answer is c. 

Mitochondria produce atp, a high energy compound. atp is used for all sorts of enzyme-mediated reactions, such as making proteins/nucleotides/etc, certain compounds cross the cell membrane, muscles move, etc.  without this source of energy, a cell will die. it will not be able to repair itself, defend against pathogens, etc.