Chloroplasts and Mitochondria

Chloroplasts and Mitochondria are both complex cell organelles found in eukaryote cells. The main function of the mitochondrion is the production of energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The cell uses this energy to perform the specific work necessary for cell survival and function. Chloroplasts are most commonly found in the photosynthetic tissues of plants and some protocists. In photosynthetic eukaryotes, the chloroplast is where photosynthesis occurs, and the inner membrane is a complex mix of water and enzymes." A mitochondrion is the main site of aerobic respiration and the amount of mitochondria present in a cell represents its metabolic activity..." (Comparison of the Structure and Function of Chloroplasts and Mitochondria, 2012) A mitochondrion varies in shape from 1.0 to 2.5 a similar size to that of chloroplasts and they are two of the largest cell organelles found in eukaryote cells. They are also the densest of organelles. "Mitochondria and chloroplasts are similar in that they both have a double phospholipid membrane with a fluid filled gap, controlling the entry and exit of materials."(Comparison of the Structure and Function of Chloroplasts and Mitochondria, 2012) The inner membrane of the mitochondria folds inwards and projects into the interior of the cell organelle which forms cristae. The cristae are covered in adenine triphosphate which is formed in the respiration process. Chloroplasts, on the other hand, have a double membrane and contain thylakoids and each one has a pair of membranes that have a space between them filled with chlorophyll. Inside the double membrane of chloroplasts there is a substance called stroma filled with enzymes that aid the photosynthesis process. "Similarly the inner membrane of the mitochondrion contains a substance called the "matrix" and this also contains many of the necessary enzymes in order to aid the process of respiration." (Comparison of the Structure and Function of Chloroplasts and Mitochondria, 2012)

If chloroplasts were lost, plants would be unable to produce oxygen in our environment, and all aerobic organisms would die. If a cell's mitochondria were destroyed it would die. Mitochondria are the power houses of the cell and without energy, necessary reactions could not take place. Both organelles provide an irreplaceable role in the production of food and energy. Without these organelles organisms would not be able to live thus evidently showing how important these organelles are.

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