Question

Do plant cells have mitochondria? Explain.

Short answer

The plants possess mitochondria. These mitochondria function to produce energy that is necessary for the plants and their functions.

Step-by-step solution

Description of plant cell

Cells have different adaptations based on the living organisms in which it is present. There are differences observed in plants and animal cells.

The plant cells have a definite shape and possess a green pigment-containing organelle called the chloroplast. It is the organelle that is involved in the energy production mechanism, such as starch preparation.

 Step 2: Definition of mitochondria

Mitochondria are organelles that have two membranes, namely an outer and an inner membrane. The inner compartments consist of cristae, cytosol, and stroma. Many important processes occur within the mitochondria.

Need for mitochondria in plant cells         

Plant cells have energy-transforming organelles, such as chloroplasts. It involves the process of photosynthesis. Food produced from this process is transferred to all the parts of the plant. This mechanism operates only during the daytime as it requires sunlight.

The plants also possess the specialized energy-producing organelle called mitochondria. During the nighttime, the plant undergoes the process of cellular respiration with the help of mitochondria.

This process of cellular respiration creates energy during the nighttime without the presence of sunlight.

Hence, the plant requires the help of mitochondria during the nighttime to perform the process of cellular respiration.The energy produced from the mitochondria in the form of ATP helps perform other plant functions.