Question

58. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are double-membrane organelles separated into two compartments by their inner and outer membranes. How might the presence of two compartments contribute to the function of these organelles?

A. The two compartments permit different but complementary functions to be accomplished in the organelles.
B. The double-membrane feature is not important to these organelles
C. The double-membrane feature assures that ribosomes remain separated from the functional compartment of the mitochondria and chloroplasts
D. The two compartments might provide extra protection against dehydration

Answer 1

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have two compartments that contribute to their function by allowing for different functions, providing extra protection against dehydration, and facilitating protein synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The presence of two compartments in mitochondria and chloroplasts contributes to their function in several ways. Firstly, the two compartments allow for different but complementary functions to be accomplished within the organelles. For example, in chloroplasts, the thylakoid membranes in the inner compartment contain pigments and enzymes necessary for photosynthesis, while the stroma in the outer compartment allows for the synthesis of glucose. Secondly, the double-membrane feature provides extra protection against dehydration, ensuring the organelles can function optimally. Lastly, the double-membrane design of mitochondria and chloroplasts allows for the segregation of ribosomes in the intermembrane space, which helps in protein synthesis.