Chloroplasts play an important role in energy production in plant cells. However, some parts of a plant, like roots, lack chloroplasts. Explain the most likely pathway for root cells to obtain energy, and identify the organelles involved.

Answer 1

Root cells obtain energy through a process called cellular respiration. In this process, glucose and other organic molecules are broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells.

During cellular respiration, root cells rely on mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, to carry out this energy-producing process. Mitochondria are organelles that have their own DNA and can produce a large amount of ATP through the breakdown of glucose in a series of biochemical reactions.

Even though root cells lack chloroplasts for photosynthesis, they can still obtain energy through cellular respiration by breaking down the organic compounds that are transported to the roots from the leaves. This allows root cells to generate the ATP needed for various cellular processes such as nutrient uptake, growth, and maintenance.