The presence of DNA in mitochondria and chloroplast supports the hypothesis that

Options

A. Glycolysis occurs in both mitochondria and chloroplast
B. Mitochondria and chloroplast both originated as independent free living organisms
C. ATP is produced in mitochondria as well as in chloroplast
D. Mitochondria and chloroplast undergo meiosis and mitosis independent of nucleus

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Mitochondria and Chloroplasts**: Both mitochondria and chloroplasts are organelles found in eukaryotic cells. They have unique features that distinguish them from other organelles.

2. **Double Membrane Structure**: Both organelles are surrounded by a double membrane, which is a characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells.

3. **Presence of Circular DNA**: Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own circular DNA, similar to prokaryotic chromosomes. This suggests that they may have originated from prokaryotic organisms.

4. **Ribosomes**: They possess 70S ribosomes, which are also found in prokaryotes, further supporting the idea that these organelles have prokaryotic origins.

5. **Replication**: Mitochondria and chloroplasts can replicate independently of the cell's nucleus through a process called fission, similar to how bacteria reproduce.

6. **Endosymbiotic Theory**: The presence of DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts supports the endosymbiotic theory, which posits that these organelles originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

7. **Conclusion**: Thus, the presence of DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts supports the hypothesis that these organelles were once independent, free-living prokaryotic organisms.

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