Question

• What is a chloroplast? Explain how a root of a plant, that lacks Chloroplasts, gets energy. What organelles are involved with converting the energy for the roots?
• Explain why animal cells do not require a cell wall and a central vacuole. Please read Unit 2, Lesson 3, Page 9 to answer this question correctly.5-6 sentences

Answer 1

A chloroplast is a specialized organelle found in plant cells that is responsible for photosynthesis. It contains chlorophyll, which is a pigment that captures light energy from the sun and converts it into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

The root of a plant lacks chloroplasts, so it cannot directly perform photosynthesis to generate energy. Instead, a root obtains energy through a process called cellular respiration. This process takes place in the mitochondria, which are organelles responsible for converting glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy molecule of the cell. The root absorbs nutrients and sugars produced in the leaves through the xylem and phloem vascular tissues, and these compounds are then broken down in the mitochondria to release energy for the root's metabolic activities.

Animal cells do not require a cell wall because they are surrounded by a plasma membrane that provides enough structural support. The absence of a cell wall allows animal cells to change shape and move more freely compared to plant cells. Additionally, animal cells do not require a central vacuole because they have various smaller vacuoles that serve specific functions such as storing waste products, maintaining the cell's water balance, and providing structural support to certain cell types. These smaller vacuoles are sufficient for carrying out their specific roles in animal cells, eliminating the need for a central vacuole like in plant cells.