Which of the following describes the genetic information of chloroplasts?

Which of the following describes the genetic information of chloroplasts?

• A. Inherited exclusively from the mother
• B. Can replicate independently
• C. Contained entirely within the nucleus
• D. Only synthesized in the cytoplasm

Answer: (B)

The genetic information of chloroplasts is described as being able to replicate independently. This characteristic is significant because chloroplasts, like mitochondria, contain their own DNA, which is separate from the DNA found in the cell's nucleus. This independent replication process supports the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that chloroplasts originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the nature of chloroplast genetics. Genetic material in chloroplasts is not exclusively inherited from the mother, as in some organisms both maternal and paternal contributions can occur. Chloroplast DNA is not contained entirely within the nucleus, as it resides in the chloroplasts themselves. Additionally, while some aspects of chloroplast function and protein synthesis occur in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts synthesize proteins and their genetic information is specifically tied to their own genetic material rather than being exclusively synthesized in the cytoplasm.

The genetic information of chloroplasts is described as being able to replicate independently. This characteristic is significant because chloroplasts, like mitochondria, contain their own DNA, which is separate from the DNA found in the cell's nucleus. This independent replication process supports the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that chloroplasts originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the nature of chloroplast genetics. Genetic material in chloroplasts is not exclusively inherited from the mother, as in some organisms both maternal and paternal contributions can occur. Chloroplast DNA is not contained entirely within the nucleus, as it resides in the chloroplasts themselves. Additionally, while some aspects of chloroplast function and protein synthesis occur in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts synthesize proteins and their genetic information is specifically tied to their own genetic material rather than being exclusively synthesized in the cytoplasm.