Question

Difficulty: MediumCell Structure and Function

Plant cells synthesize carbohydrates in chloroplasts through photosynthesis and therefore do not contain mitochondria to carry out cellular respiration.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Plant cells possess both chloroplasts and mitochondria.
The statement is false because plant cells contain both chloroplasts and mitochondria. Chloroplasts synthesize organic molecules via photosynthesis, but mitochondria are essential to oxidize those carbohydrates to produce ATP.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary functions of chloroplasts and mitochondria in eukaryotic cells.
Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis to produce organic sugars, whereas mitochondria perform cellular respiration to convert biochemical energy from sugars into ATP.
Distinguishing the energy-converting roles of both organelles is necessary to determine cellular requirements.
2
Evaluate whether plant cells possess mitochondria in addition to chloroplasts.
Plant cells require continuous ATP for metabolic processes, active transport, and growth, which is generated by mitochondria through aerobic respiration.
Directly tests whether chloroplast presence excludes mitochondria in plant biology.

Key Concept

Plant Cell Energy Organelles (Dual Presence of Chloroplasts and Mitochondria)
Estimated Time:45s
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