How do mitochondria and chloroplasts work together to help a plant cell stay alive?

• A. Chloroplasts convert sunlight into chemical energy, which mitochondria use to produce ATP.
• B. Mitochondria convert sunlight into chemical energy, while chloroplasts use this energy to produce ATP.
• C. Both mitochondria and chloroplasts produce glucose directly from sunlight.
• D. Mitochondria and chloroplasts both perform photosynthesis to generate energy for the cell.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of chloroplasts and mitochondria in plant cells. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose. Mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration, using glucose to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
2. Recognize that chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which captures sunlight and initiates the process of photosynthesis. This process converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
3. Identify that mitochondria take the glucose produced by chloroplasts and break it down through cellular respiration. This process involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain, ultimately producing ATP.
4. Note that the oxygen produced by chloroplasts during photosynthesis is used by mitochondria during cellular respiration, creating a cycle of energy transformation within the plant cell.
5. Understand that the collaboration between chloroplasts and mitochondria is essential for energy balance in plant cells, with chloroplasts providing the initial energy source and mitochondria converting it into a usable form (ATP) for cellular functions.