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Question

Difficulty: MediumCell Structure and Function

A plant tissue sample is placed in a dark environment where light is completely unavailable. Which cellular organelle continues to break down carbohydrates to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for cellular work?

  1. A
    Chloroplast
  2. MitochondrionAnswer
  3. C
    Cell wall
  4. D
    Large central vacuole

Answer

Mitochondrion
The mitochondrion is the organelle responsible for cellular respiration in all eukaryotic cells, including plant cells. It continuously oxidizes carbohydrates and other organic molecules to generate ATP, functioning independently of sunlight.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary cellular process required
Breaking down carbohydrates into ATP is the definition of cellular respiration.
The question specifies generating ATP from carbohydrate breakdown rather than synthesizing glucose from sunlight.
2
Determine which organelle performs cellular respiration in plant cells
Mitochondria are the primary site of aerobic cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells, including plants.
While plant cells possess chloroplasts for photosynthesis, they rely on mitochondria for continuous ATP generation.
3
Evaluate the environmental constraint (absence of light)
Mitochondrial respiration operates independently of light, utilizing stored chemical energy.
Photosynthesis shuts down in the dark, but cellular respiration continues around the clock to meet metabolic energy demands.

Key Concept

Plant and Animal Cell Organelle Functions and Energy Conversion
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Cell Structure and Function

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