Compare and contrast the structure and function of chloroplasts and mitochondria.

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Compare and contrast the structure and function of chloroplasts and mitochondria

Chloroplasts and Mitochondria are both complex cell organelles found in eukaryote cells. These detailed organelles can be studied more closely with the recent invention of the electron microscope, allowing us to look specifically at the details of their structures in relation to their function

A typical eukaryote cell contains an average of a thousand mitochondria. A mitochondrion is the main site of aerobic respiration and the amount of mitochondria present in a cell represents its metabolic activity. This is demonstrated in the high amount of mitochondria found in the base tail of sperms, as a huge amount of energy is needed in order for the sperm to swim up the fallopian tubes to reach an ovum for fertilization to take place.

Respiration

Oxygen + Glucose Carbon Dioxide Water Energy

6O C H O 6CO 6H O

Chloroplasts are most commonly found in the photosynthetic tissues of plants and some protocists. Chloroplasts are found palisade cells and play a crucial role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants manufacture food. Similarly to mitochondria the internal organisation of the chloroplasts is done in order to