So the theory is that if we don't accept them as alive, then we can't experiment with implanting cross-species mitochondria in human cells? Why not? What stops us from doing this?
This is a fair point. I can see the excitement around recognizing that mitochondria is alive to motivate exploring its other functions. But I think you're right someone might be interested in that exploration regardless of whether it's considered alive.
Edit: to your point, there are plenty of scientists interested in studying viruses and much debate about whether or not they are alive. Ultimately it probably doesn't matter.
I do think when you consider mitochondria to be alive, it broadens the scope of your thinking because you start considering each characteristic of life in relation to mitochondria. You might not be motivated to do that without thinking in those terms.
Edit: to your point, there are plenty of scientists interested in studying viruses and much debate about whether or not they are alive. Ultimately it probably doesn't matter.
I do think when you consider mitochondria to be alive, it broadens the scope of your thinking because you start considering each characteristic of life in relation to mitochondria. You might not be motivated to do that without thinking in those terms.