Which statement correctly describes whether mitochondria are found in plant and animal cells?

• A. Mitochondria are absent from both plant and animal cells and occur only in prokaryotes.
• B. Mitochondria are present in both plant and animal cells.
• C. Mitochondria are present only in plant cells; animals rely on cytosolic glycolysis for ATP.
• D. Mitochondria are present only in animal cells; plants use chloroplasts instead.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental roles of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, which is to generate ATP through cellular respiration.
2. Understand that both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic and require ATP for energy to perform cellular functions.
3. Recognize that mitochondria are present in both plant and animal cells because both types of cells perform cellular respiration to produce ATP.
4. Note that plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, but they still have mitochondria to generate ATP, especially when photosynthesis is not active.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is that mitochondria are present in both plant and animal cells.