Question

Describe the functions of the three organelles, viz. Golgi bodies, chloroplasts and mitochondria.

Answer 1

Functions of Golgi bodies

1. All glandular cells depend upon Golgi body for concentrating and packaging their products inside a soluble protein coat.
2. Golgi body brings about membrane transformation, that is, converting one type of membrane into other types.
3. Proteins synthesised by the rough endoplasmic reticulum and lipids synthesised by smooth endoplasmic reticulum reach the cisternae of the Golgi body. Here, they combine with carbohydrates to form glycoproteins and glycolipids.

Functions of Chloroplasts

1. Chloroplasts are the centres of photosynthesis or formation of organic compounds from inorganic raw materials.
2. Chloroplasts are able to trap sun energy and change it into chemical energy. The chemical energy is used by all living organisms to perform their life activities.
3. Chloroplasts liberate oxygen which is passed into the atmosphere. This keeps the balance of oxygen constant in the atmosphere, as oxygen is being consumed in respiration and combustion.

Functions of Mitochondria

1. Mitochondria are called power houses of the cell because of the formation of ATP. ATP comes out of mitochondria and helps perform various energy requiring processes of the cell like muscle contraction, nerve impulse conduction, biosynthesis, membrane transport, cell division, movement, etc.
2. Mitochondria provide important intermediates for the synthesis of several biochemicals like chlorophyll, cytochromes, pyrimidines, steroids, alkaloids, etc.
3. The matrix of the mitochondria has enzymes for the synthesis of fatty acids. Enzymes required for the elongation of fatty acids have been reported in the outer mitochondrial chamber.