Life as a biological process is one in the entire biosphere, and it exists on the basis of fundamental principles. Therefore, different life forms, as well as various structural components of representatives of biological species, have significant similarities. In part, they are provided by a common origin or similar functions. In this context, it is necessary to analyze in detail what the similarities between mitochondria and chloroplasts are, although at first glance these cellular organelles have little in common.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are called two-membrane cell structures responsible for the energy supply of the nucleus and organelles. They are found in the cells of bacteria, plants, fungi and animals. They are responsible for cellular respiration, that is, the final assimilation of oxygen, from which, as a result of biochemical transformation, energy is extracted for the synthesis of macroergs. This is achieved by transferring charge through the mitochondrial membrane and enzymatic oxidation of glucose.
Chloroplasts
Chloroplasts are called cellular organelles of plants, some photosynthetic bacteria and protists. These are cellular two-membrane structures in which glucose is synthesized through the use of sunlight. This process is achieved by the transfer of photon energy and the occurrence of enzymatic reactions associated with the transfer of charge through the membrane. The result of photosynthesis is the utilization of carbon dioxide, the synthesis of glucose and the release of molecular oxygen.
The similarity of mitochondria and chloroplasts
Chloroplasts and mitochondria are cell organelles with two membranes. The first layer they are protected from the cytoplasm of the cell, and the second forms numerous folds on which the processes of charge transfer. The principle of their work is similar, but directed in different directions. In mitochondria, enzymatic oxidation of glucose occurs using oxygen, and carbon dioxide acts as reaction products. As a result of the transformation, energy is also synthesized.
In chloroplasts, the reverse process is observed - glucose synthesis and the release of oxygen from carbon dioxide with the consumption of light energy. This is a fundamental difference between these organelles, but only the process direction differs. Its electrochemistry is almost identical, although different intermediaries are used for this.
You can also consider in detail what the similarities between mitochondria and chloroplasts are. It lies in the autonomy of organelles, since they even have their own DNA molecule that stores codes of structural proteins and enzymes. Both organelles have their own autonomous apparatus for protein biosynthesis, because chloroplasts and mitochondria are able to independently provide themselves with the necessary enzymes and restore their structure.
Summary
The main similarity between mitochondria and chloroplasts is their autonomy within the cell. Separated from the cytoplasm by a double membrane and having their own complex of biosynthesis enzymes, they are independent of the cell. They also have their own set of genes, and therefore can be considered a separate living organism. There is a phylogenetic theory that in the early stages of the development of unicellular life, mitochondria and chloroplasts were the simplest prokaryotes.
It says that in a certain period they were absorbed by another cell. Due to the presence of a separate membrane, they were not split, becoming a donor of energy for the "host". During evolution, through the exchange of genes in pre-nuclear organisms, the DNA of chloroplasts and mitochondria was inserted into the genome of the host cell. From that moment on, the cell itself was able to assemble these organelles if they were not transferred to it during mitosis.