Final Answer:
RNA polymerase (RNA pol) specifically responsible for transcribing genes in mitochondria and chloroplasts is known as **mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRNAP).
Step-by-step explanation::
Mitochondria and chloroplasts are cellular organelles with their own genetic material, distinct from the nuclear DNA of the cell. The transcription of genes in these organelles is carried out by specialized RNA polymerases.
In the case of mitochondria, the enzyme responsible is referred to as mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRNAP).
Mitochondrial RNA polymerase is a unique enzyme tailored to function within the mitochondria, transcribing the mitochondrial DNA into RNA molecules. This RNA, in turn, is crucial for the synthesis of proteins within the mitochondria.
The mitochondrial genome encodes essential components of the oxidative phosphorylation system, which is crucial for cellular energy production.
Similarly, chloroplasts, the site of photosynthesis in plant cells, possess their own genetic material. The transcription of genes within chloroplasts is also performed by an RNA polymerase specific to these organelles. This specialization ensures that the genetic information necessary for chloroplast functions, including photosynthesis, is accurately transcribed and translated within the chloroplasts themselves.
In summary, the distinct RNA polymerase responsible for gene transcription in mitochondria and chloroplasts is appropriately named mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRNAP), reflecting its specialized role in these essential cellular organelles.