How do chloroplasts differ from mitochondria in terms of their primary function?

• A. Chloroplasts contain DNA, whereas mitochondria do not.
• B. Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis, while mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration.
• C. Chloroplasts generate ATP, whereas mitochondria store energy in the form of glucose.
• D. Chloroplasts are found in animal cells, while mitochondria are found in plant cells.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by identifying the primary functions of chloroplasts and mitochondria. Chloroplasts are primarily involved in photosynthesis, a process that converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Mitochondria are primarily involved in cellular respiration, a process that converts chemical energy from nutrients into ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
2. Understand the presence of DNA in both organelles. Both chloroplasts and mitochondria contain their own DNA, which is separate from the nuclear DNA of the cell. This is a result of their evolutionary origins from free-living bacteria.
3. Clarify the energy conversion processes. Chloroplasts generate ATP during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, but their main role is to produce glucose. Mitochondria, on the other hand, do not store energy in the form of glucose; they break down glucose to produce ATP during cellular respiration.
4. Recognize the cellular locations of these organelles. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and some protists, but not in animal cells. Mitochondria are found in nearly all eukaryotic cells, including both plant and animal cells.
5. Summarize the key differences: Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis and are found in plant cells, while mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration and are found in both plant and animal cells.