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Chapter 4: Problem 60

Describe structural and functional similarities between mitochondria and chloroplasts that provide evidence of common ancestry.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Mitochondria and chloroplasts have double membranes, their own DNA, and similar functions in energy generation, evidencing a common ancestry from free-living prokaryotes.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Structural Similarities

Both mitochondria and chloroplasts have double membranes, their own DNA which is circular, and ribosomes similar to those found in prokaryotes.
02

Explain the Functionality

Mitochondria and chloroplasts both generate energy for the cell 鈥� mitochondria through aerobic respiration and chloroplasts through photosynthesis.
03

Highlight the Evidence of Common Ancestry

The similarities in their structure and functional roles suggest that both organelles originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell, leading to a mutualistic relationship.
04

Provide Examples

Examples include the endosymbiotic theory, which posits that certain organelles, particularly mitochondria and chloroplasts, were once independent prokaryotic cells.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Double Membranes
Mitochondria and chloroplasts are unique among organelles because they both have double membranes. These two layers of membrane provide essential protections and functions. The outer membrane serves as a barrier, controlling the exchange of substances between the organelle and the rest of the cell. The inner membrane, however, is where most of the action happens:
  • In mitochondria, the inner membrane is folded into structures called cristae that increase its surface area, maximizing the space available for energy production.
  • In chloroplasts, the inner membrane encloses the thylakoid membranes, forming stacks known as grana where photosynthesis takes place.
The presence of double membranes in both organelles suggests a common evolutionary origin. This structural feature is a key piece of evidence supporting the idea that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once independent prokaryotic organisms.
Circular DNA
Another fascinating similarity between mitochondria and chloroplasts is that they both contain their own DNA, which is circular. This form of DNA is quite different from the linear DNA found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
  • Circular DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts contains genes that are crucial for the function and reproduction of these organelles.
  • These genes include those coding for RNA molecules and proteins necessary for protein synthesis within the organelles.
The presence of circular DNA is a hallmark of prokaryotic cells, reinforcing the belief that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from ancient prokaryotes. This not only illustrates the autonomy these organelles once had but also their ability to carry some of their genetic information independent of the host cell鈥檚 nuclear DNA.
Endosymbiotic Theory
The endosymbiotic theory is a widely accepted explanation for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts. According to this theory:
  • Primitive eukaryotic cells engulfed prokaryotic cells, specifically those capable of aerobic respiration and photosynthesis.
  • Instead of digesting these prokaryotes, the host cells established a symbiotic relationship with them.
  • Over millions of years, these prokaryotic cells evolved into organelles, losing much of their independence but still retaining key features like double membranes and circular DNA.
This mutualistic relationship benefited both parties: the host cell gained efficient ways to produce energy and the prokaryotes received protection and a stable environment. Evidence supporting this theory includes the structural and functional similarities between mitochondria, chloroplasts, and certain prokaryotes. Further genetic analysis shows that the DNA of these organelles also closely resembles that of certain bacterial species, providing compelling evidence for their shared ancestry.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Radioactive amino acids are fed to a cell in culture for a short amount of time. This is called a pulse. You follow the appearance of radioactive proteins in the cell compartments. In which organelles and in what order does radioactivity appear? a. endoplasmic reticulum - lysosomes - Golgi body - vesicle - extracellular region b. endoplasmic reticulum - vesicles - Golgi body - vesicles - extracellular region c. Golgi Body - vesicles - endoplasmic reticulum - vesicles - extracellular region d. nucleus - endoplasmic reticulum - Golgi body - vesicle - extracellular region

Bacteria do not have organelles; yet, the same reactions that take place on the mitochondria inner membrane, the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP, and chloroplasts, photosynthesis, take place in bacteria. Where do these reactions take place? a. These reactions take place in the nucleoid of the bacteria. b. These reactions occur in the cytoplasm present in the bacteria. c. These reactions occur on the plasma membrane of bacteria. d. These reactions take place in the mesosomes

Which of the following is found both in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells? a. mitochondrion b. nucleus c. ribosomes d. centrosomes

Some animal cells produce extensive extracellular matrix. You would expect their ribosomes to synthesize large amounts of which of the following proteins? a. actin b. collagen c. myosin d. tubulin

Which of the following observations contributed to the cell theory? a. Animal and plant cells have nuclei and organelles. b. Non-living material cannot give rise to living organisms. c. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane. d. Viruses replicate.
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