NEET 2024 Botany Mitochondria and Chloroplasts Assertion Reason Question

Statement I: Mitochondria and chloroplasts are both double membrane bound organelles.

Explanation: This statement is correct. Both mitochondria and chloroplasts are indeed surrounded by double membranes. The outer membrane is smooth and permeable to small molecules, while the inner membrane is highly folded (in the case of mitochondria, these folds are known as cristae) and contains specific proteins for transport and energy production.

Statement II: Inner membrane of mitochondria is relatively less permeable, as compared to chloroplast.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The inner membrane of mitochondria is actually much less permeable than that of chloroplasts. Mitochondrial inner membranes are characterized by a high degree of impermeability, which is crucial for maintaining the proton gradient necessary for ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. In contrast, the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, while also selectively permeable, allow for the transport of ions and molecules that are essential for photosynthesis, and they have a different structure and function compared to mitochondrial membranes.

Conclusion

From the analysis above:

• Statement I is correct.
• Statement II is incorrect.

Thus, the most appropriate answer is A) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.

Clarification of Other Options:

• B) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.

  • This option is incorrect because Statement I is indeed correct, as both organelles are double membrane bound.

• C) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

  • This option is incorrect because Statement II is not correct; hence, both cannot be correct.

• D) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.

  • This option is also incorrect since Statement I is correct.

Summary:

In summary, the correct answer is A because while both mitochondria and chloroplasts are double membrane-bound organelles, the inner membrane of mitochondria is significantly less permeable compared to that of chloroplasts, making Statement II incorrect. Understanding the structural and functional differences between these organelles is crucial in cell biology and physiology.