Using a T-chart to compare the chemical equations, structural similarities and differences between mitochondrion and chloroplast.

Question

What would this look like? Having trouble understanding question and response.

Answer 1

A T chart is a simple way to organize information, in this case a comparison of organelles. You would start constructing it like a two column table with the headings being the two organelles. You would leave out rows like a normal table so you have more space to summarize the comparisons for each. You would then list the comparisons of the organelles in the respective columns.

As for the actual comparison, remember that mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration and chloroplasts participate in photosynthesis. Both organelles have two membranes. Since they have membranes, mitochondria and chloroplasts are found in eukaryotic organisms, but chloroplasts are only in photosynthetic organisms (i.e. plants). During cellular respiration, the first step (glycolysis) takes place in the cytosol of the cell while the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport chain and chemiosmosis) take place within the mitochondrion. During photosynthesis, the entire process occurs within the chloroplast, but the light reactions take place within the thylakoids while the dark reactions/Calvin cycle occurs in the stroma or liquid surrounding the thylakoids. The structure of each organelle is essential for their respective functions.