Question

Which of the following characteristics make mitochondria and chloroplast semiautonomous (semi-independent) organelles?

• A. They oxidise carbohydrates and fatty acids
• B. They have their own DNA and ribosomes
• C. They capture sunlight to synthesise food
• D. They provide energy to the cell

Answer 1

The correct option is B

They have their own DNA and ribosomes

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA and ribosomes. This is due to their evolutionary origin as primitive prokaryotes. They eventually became a part of the eukaryotic cell. They are semiautonomous as they can replicate independently and produce their own RNA and proteins.