Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Mitochondria & Chloroplasts

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Mitochondria & Chloroplasts

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Problem 7

Textbook Question

The mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell .a. serve as the cell's power plants;b. probably evolved from a prokaryotic ancestor;c. can live independently of the eukaryotic cell;d. A and B are correct;e. A, B, and C are correct

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the role of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, which is to generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell, thus serving as the cell's power plants.

Consider the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that mitochondria evolved from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Evaluate whether mitochondria can live independently of the eukaryotic cell, noting that they rely on the host cell for certain functions and cannot survive independently.

Analyze the options: (a) is correct as mitochondria are the power plants of the cell, (b) is correct as they likely evolved from prokaryotic ancestors, and (c) is incorrect as mitochondria cannot live independently.

Conclude that the correct answer is the option that includes both (a) and (b) but not (c), which is option (d).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration. This process involves converting nutrients into energy, which is essential for various cellular functions and overall metabolism.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The endosymbiotic theory posits that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. This theory explains the double membrane structure of mitochondria and their own DNA, which is similar to that of bacteria, supporting the idea of a symbiotic relationship.

Independence of Mitochondria

While mitochondria are integral to eukaryotic cells, they possess some autonomy, such as the ability to replicate independently of the cell cycle. However, they cannot survive indefinitely outside the eukaryotic cell, as they rely on the host cell for certain proteins and nutrients, highlighting a complex interdependence.