Mitochondria are described as 'semi-autonomous' organelles primarily because they :
Possess their own circular DNA and 70S ribosomes
Mitochondria are called semi-autonomous organelles because they possess their own circular DNA (similar to bacterial DNA) and 70S ribosomes, allowing them to synthesise some of their own proteins independently of the nucleus.
They are surrounded by a double membrane (not a single one), they do not carry out photosynthesis (that is a chloroplast function), and they are present in almost all eukaryotic cells, not just plant cells.
Therefore, mitochondria are called semi-autonomous organelles because they possess their own circular DNA and 70S ribosomes.
Similar Questions
The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) differs structurally and functionally from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) because RER:
Important Questions from Cell
In a plant cell, which one of the following contains their own DNA?
Which one of the following structures or components is not always present in living cells?
Which one of the following statements about animal cells and plant cells is correct?
- Which one of the following statements about vacuoles' is not correct?
- A cell is unable to synthesize lipids. Which of its cell organelles might be defective?
