Which of the following organelles are involved in energy production and have DNA capable of reproduction?

Which of the following organelles are involved in energy production and have DNA capable of reproduction?

• A. Lysosomes and mitochondria
• B. Mitochondria and chloroplasts
• C. Nucleus and ribosomes
• D. Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus

Answer: (B)

Mitochondria and chloroplasts are both vital organelles involved in energy production within eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, where they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the process of cellular respiration. Chloroplasts, found in plant cells and some protists, are responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. These organelles are unique because they contain their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA of the cell. This DNA is circular and similar to bacterial DNA, reflecting their evolutionary origin as once free-living prokaryotic organisms (the endosymbiotic theory). Both mitochondria and chloroplasts are capable of reproducing independently within the cell through a process resembling binary fission, thus contributing to their own population within the cell. In contrast, other organelles listed, such as lysosomes, the nucleus, ribosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus, do not have this capability of autonomous reproduction or contain their own DNA. This characteristic of mitochondria and chloroplasts is essential in understanding cellular energy dynamics and the evolution of complex life forms.

Mitochondria and chloroplasts are both vital organelles involved in energy production within eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, where they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the process of cellular respiration. Chloroplasts, found in plant cells and some protists, are responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

These organelles are unique because they contain their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA of the cell. This DNA is circular and similar to bacterial DNA, reflecting their evolutionary origin as once free-living prokaryotic organisms (the endosymbiotic theory). Both mitochondria and chloroplasts are capable of reproducing independently within the cell through a process resembling binary fission, thus contributing to their own population within the cell.

In contrast, other organelles listed, such as lysosomes, the nucleus, ribosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus, do not have this capability of autonomous reproduction or contain their own DNA. This characteristic of mitochondria and chloroplasts is essential in understanding cellular energy dynamics and the evolution of complex life forms.