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How are mitochondria different from chloroplasts?
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mitochondrion
Mitochondria (red) are found throughout the cytoplasm of almost all eukaryotic cells (cell nucleus is shown in blue; cytoskeleton is shown in yellow).
Mitochondria and chloroplasts are both energy-producing organelles that share a structural resemblance and possess their own DNA, but they differ significantly in their functions and internal organization.12
Functional Differences
- Mitochondria: Found in both plant and animal cells, mitochondria function as the cell's powerhouses by oxidizing products of cytoplasmic metabolism to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP).13
- Chloroplasts: Found in plants and some algae, chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis. They trap light energy to produce ATP and chemically reduced molecules used to synthesize carbohydrates.14
Structural Differences
- Internal Membranes: In mitochondria, the inner membrane is folded into cristae to increase surface area for energy production. Chloroplasts have a relatively smooth inner membrane but contain an additional internal system of folded membranes called thylakoids, which are often stacked into grana.54
- Internal Spaces: The space enclosed by the inner membrane is known as the matrix in mitochondria and the stroma in chloroplasts.5