Question

Two cell organelles who has its own genetic material:

• A. Mitochondria and vacuoles
• B. Plastids and vacuoles
• C. Mitochondria and Plastids
• D. Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria

Hint:

Mitochondria and chloroplasts (a type of plastid) are unique among organelles for having their own DNA, which supports the endosymbiotic theory suggesting they originated from free-living prokaryotes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand what "own genetic material" implies for organelles.
Having "own genetic material" means the organelle contains its own DNA and often its own ribosomes, allowing it to synthesize some of its own proteins, independent of the cell's nucleus. This is a key feature supporting the endosymbiotic theory. Step 2: Review the common organelles and their genetic material status.

Mitochondria: These are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell. They contain their own circular DNA (mtDNA) and ribosomes, which enable them to produce some of their own proteins.
Plastids: This group includes chloroplasts (in plant cells, responsible for photosynthesis), chromoplasts, and leucoplasts. Chloroplasts, in particular, possess their own circular DNA (cpDNA) and ribosomes, similar to mitochondria.
Vacuoles: These are membrane-bound sacs involved in storage and waste removal. They do not have their own genetic material.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): This is a network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis. It does not have its own genetic material; its functions are directed by nuclear DNA. Step 3: Evaluate the given pairs based on the information.

(1) Mitochondria and vacuoles: Mitochondria have genetic material, but vacuoles do not.
(2) Plastids and vacuoles: Plastids have genetic material, but vacuoles do not.
(3) Mitochondria and Plastids: Both mitochondria and plastids (like chloroplasts) are known to contain their own DNA and ribosomes. This is a correct pair.
(4) Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria: Mitochondria have genetic material, but the Endoplasmic Reticulum does not. Step 4: Conclude the correct pair.
Mitochondria and Plastids are the two cell organelles that possess their own genetic material. (3) Mitochondria and Plastids