Difference Between Mitochondria and Chloroplast: Parts, Diagrams

Ans. The mitochondrion is a double-membraned organelle responsible for generating ATP for the cell. The Krebs cycle is the middle step of cellular respiration, and takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.

Ans. Palisade cells contain the largest number of chloroplasts per cell, which makes them the primary site of photosynthesis in the leaves of those plants that contain them, converting the energy in light to the chemical energy of carbohydrates.

Ans. Chloroplasts are responsible for converting sunlight into food for plants by a process known as photosynthesis. On the other hand, mitochondria convert this food into energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). Chemical reactions taking place in the cell, allowing the release of energy from food.

Ans. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are both found in plant cells, however in animal cells, chloroplasts are absent. Both cell organelles are responsible for generating energy for the cells. They are similar structure-wise as well, in the sense that both the organelles comprise outer and inner membranes.

Ans. The importance of the cristae comes from the fact that they greatly increase the surface area of the inner membrane of the mitochondria. This is important because this membrane houses the electron transport chain proteins. A larger surface area allows reactions to occur at a higher rate and, thus, more ATP can be generated. The cristae are not essential to protecting the mitochondrial genome or maintaining shape.

Ans. The chloroplast has a very similar structure to the mitochondrion, as it is a double-membraned organelle. The chloroplast is used to house the processes of photosynthesis. The light reactions take place in the thylakoid membrane, while the light independent reactions take place in the stroma.

Ans. Mitochondria and chloroplast are two organelles that have been found in eukaryotic cells. Chloroplast is found only in plants, while most eukaryotic cells have mitochondria. Although both organelles are found in eukaryotic cells, both mitochondria and chloroplast are often found in prokaryotic cells.

Ans. Mesosome is a membranous structure in a prokaryotic cell, which is formed by the extensions of the plasma membrane into the cell in the form of vesicles, tubules and lamellae. 

Mesosomes are equal to mitochondria in eukaryotes, as they perform aerobic cellular respiration in prokaryotes. It helps in DNA replication and distribution of genetic material to daughter cells. Mesosomes also help in respiration, increase the surface area of the plasma membrane and enzymatic content and cell wall formation.

Ans. According to the endosymbiosis theory which explains the origins of organelles into the eukaryotic cells, mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from endosymbiotic bacteria. Heterotrophic prokaryotes were engulfed which functioned as mitochondria. 

Photosynthetic prokaryotes were engulfed, which functioned as chloroplasts. Both mitochondria and chloroplast can work independently because of the presence of their own genetic materials. Thus, mitochondria and chloroplast are called endosymbionts as they both possess their own nucleic acids.

Ans. Mitochondria and chloroplast are double membrane bound organelles. Mitochondria: Mitochondria are cylindrical or sausage shaped cell organelles and contain two membranes, outer and inner. 

The inner compartment is called the matrix containing DNA, RNA, ribosomes, enzymes of Krebs cycle etc and outer membrane forms the continuous limiting boundary of the organelle. Inner membrane forms a number of infoldings called the cristae which increases the surface area. Oxysomes are present on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondria are semiautonomous organelles, i.e., have their own DNA and ribosomes.

A Mitochondrion in Section

Functions of mitochondria:

• Mitochondria are essential for aerobic respiration.
• Mitochondria provide intermediates for synthesis of important biomolecules such as chlorophyll, cytochrome, steroids etc.
• Mitochondria regulate the calcium ion concentration in the cell.
• Mitochondrial matrix contains enzymes for the synthesis of fatty acids.
• Synthesis of many amino acids takes place here

Chloroplast: They are green coloured plastids which are disc shaped. The space limited by the inner membrane of chloroplast is called stroma. Stroma has organised flattened membranous sacs called the thylakoids. Thylakoids are arranged in stacks called grana. Matrix of a chloroplast contains DNA, RNA, ribosomes and enzymes. Chloroplast is also a semi autonomous organelle.

RD Structure of a Chloroplast

Functions of chloroplast:

• Photosynthesis is performed by chloroplast.
• Chloroplast stores starch grains.
• Maintains balance of CO₂ concentration in the air.
• Keeps oxygen balance constant in the atmosphere by liberating O₂ into the atmosphere, used during respiration and combustion.