Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding Mitochondria ?

Options

A. The matrix possesses a single double - stranded circular DNA molecule .
B. It is the site of anaerobic respiration.
C. The outer membrane is continuous and smooth .
D. Mitochondria multiple by a fission-like division .

Answer

To determine which statement regarding mitochondria is incorrect, let's analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze the first statement
**Statement:** "Matrix possesses a single double-stranded circular DNA molecule."
- **Analysis:** This statement is correct. Mitochondria contain their own DNA, which is circular and double-stranded, similar to bacterial DNA. This characteristic supports the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that mitochondria originated from prokaryotic cells.

### Step 2: Analyze the second statement
**Statement:** "It is the site of anaerobic respiration."
- **Analysis:** This statement is incorrect. Mitochondria are primarily involved in aerobic respiration, which requires oxygen. The main processes that occur in mitochondria, such as the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, are aerobic processes. Anaerobic respiration occurs in the cytoplasm and does not involve mitochondria.

### Step 3: Analyze the third statement
**Statement:** "Outer membrane is continuous and smooth."
- **Analysis:** This statement is correct. The outer membrane of mitochondria is indeed smooth and continuous, lacking the folds that are characteristic of the inner membrane.

### Step 4: Analyze the fourth statement
**Statement:** "Mitochondria multiply by a fission-like division."
- **Analysis:** This statement is also correct. Mitochondria replicate through a process similar to binary fission, which is typical of prokaryotic cells. This is one of the reasons they are considered semi-autonomous organelles.

### Conclusion
After analyzing all the statements, the incorrect statement regarding mitochondria is:
**"It is the site of anaerobic respiration."**