are mitochondria alive? most biologist believe that mitochondra were originally ree-living prokaryotes that, in the course of time, took up residence inside eukaryotic cells. if that is the case, are mitochondria alive?
2007-11-23 11:23:20 · 5 answers · asked by kunga92 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
One could make that argument. They reproduce on their own rhythm (they are not manufactured by the cell) They have their own Genome (it codes for individual proteins and enzymes within in the mitochondrion). It has its own unique ribosomes (they are similar to those found in prokaryotes) In many senses they are like a cell witin a cell. However, they would not last long outside of a cell.
2007-11-23 11:33:01 · answer #1 · answered by superchef567 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mitochondria DO possess their own genome, but MOST of the genes needed to make a new mitochondrion have been transferred to the cell's nucleus. In other words, mitochondria are incapable of surviving on their own. Faced with that limitation, I'm inclined to say that no, mitochondria aren't alive (nor are chloroplasts, for that matter).
2007-11-23 11:46:18 · answer #2 · answered by Lucas C 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the mitochondria are dead, the whole body will be dead. It is the mitochondria that carry out oxidative respiration. The mitochondria can not live independently. Neither can the cell or the whole body live without the mitochondria.
2007-11-23 12:22:41 · answer #3 · answered by OKIM IM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every cell in your body is alive. They gave up a certain amount of autonomy, just like mitochondria did, to live in an aggregate of cells.
2007-11-23 11:34:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the mitochondria of the cells is the powerhouse of the cell. the cells need mitochondria to live.
2007-11-24 03:56:08 · answer #5 · answered by dark_princess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋