Why must plants have both mitochondrion and chloroplasts?

Thanks in advance. I think it has something to do with the fact that chloroplasts convert sunlight into chemical energy. Does that sound right?

One of the most widely recognized and important characteristics of plants is their ability to conduct photosynthesis, in effect, to make their own food by converting light energy into chemical energy. This process occurs in almost all plant species and is carried out in specialized organelles known as chloroplasts. All of the green structures in plants, including stems and unripened fruit, contain chloroplasts, but the majority of photosynthesis activity in most plants occurs in the leaves. On the average, the chloroplast density on the surface of a leaf is about one-half million per square millimeter.

Mitochondria are oblong shaped organelles found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. In plant cells, they break down carbohydrate and sugar molecules to provide energy, particularly when light isn't available for the chloroplasts to produce energy.

You can just put 2 and 2 2gether frm that and you have your answer.

Which of the following organelles converts light energy into food?

Yes, you are correct. Plant cells have both mitochondria and chloroplasts because they serve different functions in the cell.

Chloroplasts are responsible for conducting photosynthesis, a process that converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose (sugar). This is vital for plants to produce their own food and grow. The chlorophyll pigment present in chloroplasts absorbs sunlight and facilitates the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

However, photosynthesis can only occur in the presence of sunlight. When sunlight is not available, such as during the night or in shaded areas, plants rely on stored energy reserves to meet their energy needs. This is where mitochondria come into play.

Mitochondria are organelles found in the cytoplasm of plant cells that specialize in cellular respiration. They are responsible for breaking down carbohydrates and sugars, including the glucose produced during photosynthesis, into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules. ATP is the energy currency of the cell, and it is used for various cellular processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

In summary, chloroplasts convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis, while mitochondria break down stored carbohydrates and sugars to provide energy for the plant when light is not available. Both organelles are essential for a plant's overall energy metabolism.