Why do plant cells contain both chloroplasts and mitochondria?

• A. Chloroplasts capture light energy to produce glucose, while mitochondria break down glucose to generate ATP for cellular activities.
• B. Both organelles are needed to store genetic information for the cell.
• C. Mitochondria produce oxygen for the cell, while chloroplasts use oxygen to make ATP.
• D. Chloroplasts are responsible for cellular respiration, and mitochondria are responsible for photosynthesis.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of chloroplasts and mitochondria in plant cells. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, where light energy is captured and converted into chemical energy stored in glucose. Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
2. Clarify the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts and produces glucose and oxygen as byproducts. Cellular respiration occurs in mitochondria and uses glucose and oxygen to produce ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
3. Recognize that both organelles are essential for energy management in plant cells. Chloroplasts provide the glucose needed for cellular respiration, while mitochondria generate ATP from glucose to power cellular activities.
4. Eliminate incorrect statements. For example, mitochondria do not produce oxygen; they use oxygen during cellular respiration. Chloroplasts do not perform cellular respiration; they are involved in photosynthesis.
5. Conclude that plant cells contain both chloroplasts and mitochondria because chloroplasts capture light energy to produce glucose, and mitochondria break down glucose to generate ATP for cellular activities. This ensures efficient energy production and utilization within the cell.