Question

Which of the following organelle/cell structure is MISMATCHED with the macromolecules that it is composed of or associated with?

a) Nucleus - DNA
b) Mitochondria - Proteins
c) Ribosomes - RNA
d) Cell Membrane - Lipids

Answer 1

The MISMATCHED organelle/cell structure with the macromolecules it is composed of or associated with is:

b) Mitochondria - Proteins

Explanation:

Mitochondrial Role in Energy Production:

The statement acknowledges that mitochondria play a crucial role in energy production. This is correct, as mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell" due to their involvement in generating ATP, the cell's energy currency.

Association with DNA, Not Proteins:

The key point is that mitochondria are primarily associated with DNA, not proteins. Mitochondria do have their own DNA, separate from the nuclear DNA, and are involved in the synthesis of some of their proteins. However, the emphasis is on the fact that their primary association is with DNA.

Majority of Proteins Encoded by Nuclear DNA:

The explanation highlights that while mitochondria do synthesize some proteins internally, the majority of their proteins are encoded by nuclear DNA. This underlines the collaborative nature of cellular functions, with nuclear DNA providing instructions for the synthesis of proteins crucial for mitochondrial function.

Answer 2

The organelle/cell structure that is MISMATCHED with the macromolecule it is composed of or associated with is Mitochondria - Proteins. Thus the correct option is B. Mitochondria - Proteins because Mitochondria are not primarily composed of proteins; they contain a mix of lipids, proteins, and mitochondrial DNA crucial for energy production.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration. Contrary to the assertion that mitochondria are primarily composed of proteins, they are actually composed of a mix of lipids, proteins, and a small amount of mitochondrial DNA.

The mitochondrial DNA is crucial for the synthesis of some mitochondrial proteins, making the association with DNA evident. Therefore, the mitochondria being primarily composed of proteins is a mismatch.

Mitochondria consist of an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a matrix. The inner membrane contains proteins involved in the electron transport chain, a critical step in ATP production. The matrix, on the other hand, contains mitochondrial DNA and enzymes required for the Krebs cycle.

The coordination of these components is essential for the efficient production of ATP. While proteins play a crucial role in mitochondrial function, it is incorrect to state that mitochondria are primarily composed of proteins, as lipids and DNA are integral components as well.

In summary, the MISMATCH in option b) Mitochondria - Proteins arises from the fact that mitochondria are not primarily composed of proteins; instead, they consist of a complex mix of lipids, proteins, and DNA, each playing a vital role in the overall function of this essential organelle.

Thus the correct option is B. Mitochondria - Proteins.