Question

Which of the following statements about mitochondrial division is true?

(a) Mitochondria divide in synchrony with the cell.
(b) The rate of mitochondrial division is the same in all cell types.
(c) Mitochondrial division is mechanistically similar to prokaryotic cell division.
(d) Mitochondria cannot divide and produce energy for the cell at the same time

Answer 1

The true statement about mitochondrial division is that it is mechanistically similar to prokaryotic cell division, resembling binary fission. Mitochondria divide independently from the cell cycle and can divide while providing energy to the cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement about mitochondrial division is (c) Mitochondrial division is mechanistically similar to prokaryotic cell division. Mitochondria divide independently from the cell cycle through a process that resembles binary fission, which is typical of prokaryotes.

Like prokaryotes, mitochondria have their own circular DNA and specialized ribosomes for protein synthesis. The division of mitochondria is not uniformly synchronized with the cell division cycle, and it does not occur at the same rate in all cell types. Mitochondria can indeed divide and produce energy for the cell at the same time.