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Question

Which one of the following is the correct combination of organelles and their functions?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

Mitochondria - Respiration; Chloroplast - Photosynthesis; Ribosome - Protein Synthesis; Rough endoplasmic reticulum - Transport of proteins

Understanding Cell Organelles and Their Functions

Cells are the basic units of life, and they contain various specialized structures called organelles. Each organelle performs specific functions essential for the cell's survival and operation. This question asks us to identify the correct pairing of common cell organelles with their primary roles.

Exploring Key Organelle Functions

Let's look at the functions of the organelles mentioned:

  • Mitochondria: Often called the "powerhouses" of the cell. Their main function is cellular respiration, where glucose and oxygen are used to produce energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
  • Chloroplast: Found in plant cells and some algae. Their primary function is photosynthesis, the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy (glucose) using carbon dioxide and water.
  • Ribosomes: These are small organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into chains of amino acids, forming proteins.
  • Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER): This is a network of membranes studded with ribosomes. It is involved in the synthesis, folding, modification, and transport of proteins, especially those destined for secretion or insertion into membranes. The ribosomes attached to the RER synthesize proteins, which are then processed and transported within the RER lumen or membrane.

Analyzing the Combinations

Now let's examine the combinations presented in the options based on our understanding of these organelles:

Organelle Known Primary Function
Mitochondria Respiration (ATP Production)
Chloroplast Photosynthesis (Glucose Production)
Ribosome Protein Synthesis
Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) Transport of proteins (synthesized by attached ribosomes)

Comparing this knowledge with the options given:

  • Option 1 suggests: Mitochondria - Respiration; Chloroplast - Photosynthesis; Ribosome - Protein Synthesis; Rough endoplasmic reticulum - Transport of proteins. This aligns perfectly with the known functions.
  • Option 2 suggests: Mitochondria - Respiration; Chloroplast - Photosynthesis; Ribosome - Transport of proteins; Rough endoplasmic reticulum - Protein synthesis. This is incorrect because Ribosomes synthesize proteins, and RER transports them after synthesis and modification.
  • Option 3 suggests: Mitochondria - Respiration; Chloroplast - Protein synthesis; Ribosome - Photosynthesis; Rough endoplasmic reticulum - Transport of proteins. This is incorrect because Chloroplasts do photosynthesis, not protein synthesis, and Ribosomes do protein synthesis, not photosynthesis.
  • Option 4 suggests: Mitochondria - Photosynthesis; Chloroplast - Respiration; Ribosome - Protein synthesis; Rough endoplasmic reticulum - Transport of proteins. This is incorrect because Mitochondria do respiration, not photosynthesis, and Chloroplasts do photosynthesis, not respiration.

Therefore, the combination where each organelle is correctly paired with its primary function is the one listed in option 1.

Revision Table: Organelle Functions

Organelle Primary Function Cell Type
Mitochondria Cellular Respiration (ATP synthesis) Eukaryotic cells (both plant and animal)
Chloroplast Photosynthesis Plant cells, algae
Ribosome Protein Synthesis All cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic)
Rough endoplasmic reticulum Protein modification and transport (especially for secreted or membrane proteins) Eukaryotic cells

Additional Information on Cell Organelles

Cell organelles are membrane-bound structures (except ribosomes, which are non-membrane-bound) that compartmentalize the cell, allowing different biochemical reactions to occur simultaneously without interfering with each other. This division of labor is crucial for the efficiency and complexity of eukaryotic cells.

Other important organelles include:

  • Nucleus: Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cell activities.
  • Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER): Involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.
  • Golgi Apparatus (or Golgi Complex/Body): Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
  • Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.
  • Vacuoles: Storage sacs; large central vacuole in plant cells helps maintain turgor pressure.
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