Question

Cells have a variety of organelles, each with a specific function. The organelles must work together in order for the cell to survive.

Describe the function of a chloroplast and mitochondria.
Identify the chemical reaction that occurs in both organelles, explaining what happens in these reactions.
Describe how the chloroplast and mitochondria work together to help a plant cell survive.

Answer 1

1. Chloroplast is the food generator of the cell and mitochondria is the power house of the cell.

2. The chemical reaction are explained in the explanation section:

3. The chloroplast produces sugar and mitochondria converts the sugar into energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Requirement:

Chloroplasts are only found in plant cells. The main function of the chloroplast is to convert light energy that comes from the sun to sugar. This process of conversion is known as photosynthesis. And the main function of the mitochondria is cellular respiration. That means mitochondria takes nutrients from the cell and converts it into energy. That's why it is called the power house of the cell.

2. Requirement:

In Chloroplast:

The chloroplast is called the site of photosynthesis. All photosynthesis-related reaction occurs here. In photosynthesis, there are two stages.

The first one is the light reaction, and the second one is the Calvin cycle.

The light reaction uses water and changes light into energy from the sun into chemical energy, which then stored in ATP and NADPH (another energy-carrying molecule). The light reaction stage also releases oxygen as a waste product.

In the Calvin cycle stage, it combines carbon from carbon dioxide in the air and uses the chemical energy in ATP and NADPH to make glucose.

In Mitochondria:

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of any cell. Here, the conversion of chemical energy from food occurs to create energy for the cell. Mitochondria, using oxygen available within the cell, convert chemical energy from food in the cell to power in a form usable to the host cell. The process is described as oxidative phosphorylation, and it occurs inside mitochondria. In the matrix of mitochondria, the reactions known as the citric acid or Krebs cycle produce a chemical called NADH. NADH is then used by enzymes embedded in the mitochondrial inner membrane to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In ATP, the energy is stored in the form of chemical bonds.

3. Requirement:

The chloroplast is the only site where sunlight comes and converts into sugar or glucose. This process is called photosynthesis. Then this produced glucose used by mitochondria. Mitochondria breaks down the glucose into cellular energy such as ATP or ADP. That's how energy is produced by mitochondria and chloroplast provides glucose in the process. By using this cellular energy plant cells survive.

Answer 2

Answer and Explanation:

Describe the function of a chloroplast and mitochondria.

Chloroplast are organelles found in plants that contain the green pigment, chlorophyll which traps light used in photosynthesis.

Mitochondria are organelles found in both plants and animals bound by double membrane with the inner membrane folded into cristae. Involved in respiration to generate energy in form of ATP.

Identify the chemical reaction that occurs in both organelles, explaining what happens in these reactions.

Chloroplast contain chlorophyll in grana that traps light at different wavelengths which is used during photosynthesis. Glucose and oxygen are produced.

The mitochondria contains enzymes that catalyze and control reactions of respiration. Cellular respiration occurs through oxidation of glucose to produce carbon dioxide, water and ATP.

Describe how the chloroplast and mitochondria work together to help a plant cell survive.

Both the reactions are interdependent on each other. The by-products of respiration are used in photosynthesis to synthesis glucose and oxygen. Photosynthesis in the chloroplast is a type of anabolic reaction while respiration in mitochondria is a catabolic reaction.