Question

What would have happened? If there had been no difference between mitochondria and plastids.

Answer 1

Mitochondria and plastids are two different structures and they have specific functions. Mitochondria are found in both plants and animals whereas plastids are found only in plants. The main role of mitochondria is to provide energy to the cells for carrying out their various functions. If, there would have been no difference between mitochondria and plastids, there would have been no structure which would provide energy and thus all the processes which take place in the cell would cease.

If plastids functioned as mitochondria then there would have been no synthesis of starch in plants. The only component of the ecosystem that produces food. So, as such there would be no food for any organism on earth.