Question

'Plastids are semi-autonomous'. Justify the statement.

Answer 1

Both Plastids and Mitochondria are considered as semi-autonomous organelles because of following reasons :

1) Both have their own DNA which can replicate independently and can produce its own mRNA, tRNA and rRNA.

2) These organelles can synthesize some of the enzymes of their use on their own. eg- Succinate dehydrogenase.

3) These organelles consist of their own ribosomes.

4) These organelles synthesize their own proteins though it is believed that their proteins are synthesized under influence of nucleus of the cell - the reason why they are regarded as semi-autonomous and not fully autonomous.