Which of the following statements about chloroplasts and mitochondria is true?

• A. Mitochondria, but not chloroplasts, contain a small amount of DNA.
• B. Chloroplasts and mitochondria are components of the endomembrane system.
• C. Chloroplasts and mitochondria have three sets of membranes.
• D. Chloroplasts, but not mitochondria, are completely independent of the cell of which they are a part.
• E. Chloroplasts and mitochondria synthesize some of their own proteins.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of chloroplasts and mitochondria in the cell. Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy, while mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, converting chemical energy into ATP.
2. Recognize that both chloroplasts and mitochondria contain their own DNA. This is a key feature that distinguishes them from other organelles and supports the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests they originated from free-living bacteria.
3. Note that chloroplasts and mitochondria are not part of the endomembrane system. The endomembrane system includes organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which are involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids.
4. Understand that chloroplasts and mitochondria have two sets of membranes: an outer membrane and an inner membrane. This is important for their function and structure, but they do not have three sets of membranes.
5. Recognize that chloroplasts and mitochondria synthesize some of their own proteins. This is due to their own DNA and ribosomes, allowing them to produce proteins independently of the cell's nuclear DNA.