22 Biology -- Cell Biology

Why mitochondria is known as semi-autonomous structure of cell?

Why mitochondria is known as semi-autonomous structure of cell?

Mitochondria is double membranous, semi autonomous structure which is  the power house of the cell. It is a membrane bound cellular structure found in most of the eukaryotic cells.


Mitochondria is semi autonomous because of following reasons; 

1. It has it's own DNA which can replicate independent of the nuclear DNA.

2. It also has it's own ribosome which helps in protein synthesis. 

As mentioned above ,  mitochondria can synthesize protein, enzymes and other material on it's own due to it's DNA and ribosome. However, it does require nuclear DNA and other cytoplasmic material for production of other several materials. Hence, Mitochondria are semi autonomous structure. 

More questions on Cell Biology

Close Open App