The mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell                  . a. serve as the cell's power plants; b. probably evolved from a prokaryotic ancestor; c. can live independently of the eukaryotic cell; d. A and B are correct; e. A, B, and C are correct

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1. Identify the functions of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy.
2. Understand the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that mitochondria were once prokaryotic cells, living independently, which were engulfed by larger eukaryotic cells. This theory explains the double membrane characteristic of mitochondria and their own DNA.
3. Evaluate the statement about mitochondria's ability to live independently of the eukaryotic cell. While mitochondria have their own DNA and can replicate independently, they are not capable of living outside the eukaryotic cell in the current biological context.
4. Analyze the options given in the question: a) Mitochondria serve as the cell's power plants is true; b) Mitochondria probably evolved from a prokaryotic ancestor is also true based on the endosymbiotic theory.
5. Conclude which option is correct by combining the accurate statements. Since mitochondria cannot live independently of the eukaryotic cell, the correct answer would be the option that includes both the correct statements without including the incorrect one.

Key Concepts

Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration. This process involves converting nutrients into energy, which is essential for various cellular functions and overall metabolism.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The endosymbiotic theory posits that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. This symbiotic relationship allowed the host cell to utilize the energy produced by the engulfed prokaryotes, leading to the evolution of complex eukaryotic cells.

Mitochondrial Independence

While mitochondria are integral to eukaryotic cells, they possess their own DNA and can replicate independently of the cell's nuclear DNA. However, they are not fully independent; they rely on the host cell for certain proteins and other components necessary for their function and maintenance.