In: Biology
Mitochondria and chloroplasts are two types of organelles in eukaryotic cells. Current studies suggest that both organelles may have evolved by endosymbiosis of prokaryotes. Describe the functions of these two organelles and propose one structural evidence that strongly supports this endosymbiotic hypothesis.
The most important function of mitochondria is to produce energy currency of cell ie ATP.The central set of reactions involved in ATP production are collectively known as citric acid or Krebs cycle.Mitochondria also plays a role in non shivering thermogenesis which occurs due to facilitated diffusion of protons into the mitochondrial matrix.Mitochondria also plays a role in apoptosis and storage of calcium ions.
Chloroplast contain pigment chlorophyll and in plants chloroplast enables photosynthesis to occur.In plants chloroplast along with nucleus and ER is key organelles of pathogen defence as plants lack immune cells.Chloroplast like mitochondria generate energy in form of ATP.
It is believed that chloroplast and mitochondria were once free living prokaryotes and they evolved by endosymbiosis.There is strong evidence to support this theory.
Mitochondria and chloroplast have their own genetic material just like prokaryotes and they divide independently of cell they live in.So there is a fair evidence that they may have evolved from free living prokaryotes like bacteria by endosymbiosis.