In both meiosis and mitosis of eukaryotic cells, the nuclear DNA is separated appropriately so that new cells end up with the correct number and type of chromosomes; however some of the DNA in the cell is randomly assorted into the newly formed cells. This type of DNA would most likely belong to which organelles?

Question

Responses
A lysosomes and chloroplastslysosomes and chloroplasts
B mitochondria and ribosomesmitochondria and ribosomes
C mitochondria and chloroplastsmitochondria and chloroplasts
D vacuoles and endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 1

The correct response is C: mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Both mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own DNA, distinct from the nuclear DNA, and they replicate independently of the cell cycle. During cell division, especially in the case of asymmetric division, a portion of these organelles can be randomly assorted into daughter cells. This is a characteristic process, particularly notable in the context of these organelles due to their endosymbiotic origin.