Certain seaweeds contain a greater concentration of iodine inside their cells than there is in the seawater surrounding them. The energy required to maintain this concentration difference is most closely associated with the action of

(1) ribosomes (3) vacuoles

(2) mitochondria (4) nuclei

The correct option is (2) mitochondria

Explanation:

Mitochondria is known to be the powerhouse of a cell. As cellular respiration takes place in mitochondria, hence mitochondria provides the cells with the main source of energy i. e ATP.

To maintain a concentration difference, energy is required. This energy comes from ATP molecules which are made in the mitochondria. Hence, option 2 is correct.

Other options are not correct because all other organelles cannot produce ATP which is required to maintain a concentration difference.