Chloroplasts play an important role in energy production in plant cells. However, some parts of a plant, like the roots, lack chloroplasts. In one to two sentences, explain the most likely pathway for root cells to obtain energy, and identify the organelles involved.(2 points) think you can help?
Root cells obtain energy through the process of cellular respiration, which takes place in the mitochondria, enabling them to convert glucose into ATP for energy production.
Can you elaborate.
Certainly! While roots do not contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, they still require energy to carry out various cellular processes. Root cells obtain energy through cellular respiration, a metabolic process that takes place in the mitochondria. During cellular respiration, complex molecules like glucose are broken down, releasing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is used by the root cells for functions like nutrient uptake, growth, and maintenance.
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Certainly! Cellular respiration is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria of cells. It involves the breakdown of organic molecules, such as glucose, to generate ATP, which is the energy currency of cells.
Roots absorb sugars, particularly glucose, from the soil through specialized transport mechanisms. Once inside the root cells, glucose goes through a series of metabolic reactions. In the presence of oxygen, these reactions take place in three main stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.
During glycolysis, glucose is enzymatically broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. This process produces a small amount of ATP and NADH (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which carries high-energy electrons.
The pyruvate molecules produced in glycolysis then enter the mitochondria. In the mitochondria, each pyruvate is further broken down in the Krebs cycle, which generates more ATP and other energy-carrying molecules like NADH and FADH2 (Flavin adenine dinucleotide) through a series of chemical reactions.
Finally, during the last stage, oxidative phosphorylation, the high-energy electrons captured in NADH and FADH2 are transported along the electron transport chain (located in the inner mitochondrial membrane). As the electrons move along the chain, energy is released and used to pump protons (H+) across the membrane. The buildup of protons creates an electrochemical gradient that drives the production of ATP through the process called chemiosmosis.
Overall, through the process of cellular respiration, root cells can generate ATP, which is essential for various energy-requiring processes, including active transport of ions, nutrient uptake, growth, root hair development, and maintenance of cellular functions.