How do root cells get energy even though they do not do photosynthesis? Please include the action of chloroplasts and mitochondria ((the two organelles involved) in the cells getting the energy they need.
Root cells obtain energy through a process called cellular respiration, which takes place within the mitochondria. While root cells do not perform photosynthesis, they receive organic molecules such as sugars from the leaves through the vascular system. These organic molecules are formed through the process of photosynthesis in the leaves.
Inside the root cells, the organic molecules are broken down through a series of enzymatic reactions in the cytoplasm. This process releases energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the main energy currency in cells, and it is utilized to perform various cellular activities.
The breakdown of organic molecules is incomplete within the cytoplasm, and the remaining compounds are transported into the mitochondria for further processing. Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell as they generate most of the cell's ATP through aerobic respiration. The organic compounds, such as glucose, are completely oxidized in a series of chemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria.
During this process, the energy stored in the chemical bonds of the organic molecules is released and captured in the form of ATP. The mitochondria contain enzymes, transport proteins, and a membrane system that facilitate the metabolic reactions and electron transport chain, leading to the production of ATP.
The ATP molecules produced in the mitochondria are then utilized by the root cells for various energy-dependent processes, such as active transport of nutrients, maintenance of cell structure, growth, and other metabolic activities. The mitochondria continuously produce ATP as long as the root cells have a supply of organic molecules coming from the leaves and other sources.
In summary, even though root cells do not perform photosynthesis, they still obtain energy through the breakdown of organic molecules received from the leaves. The process of cellular respiration takes place in the cytoplasm, and the remaining compounds are further broken down and oxidized in the mitochondria to produce ATP, which is used as energy currency by the root cells. The chloroplasts in the leaves produce organic molecules through photosynthesis, which are then transported to the roots to provide energy for root cell metabolism.