Q) Suggest the function of the DNA and ribosomes in the

mitochondrion.

Ans) Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes)

perform protein synthesis inside mitochondria, the organelles
responsible for energy conversion and adenosine triphosphate
production in eukaryotic cells. They are also used for the translation of
information. Mitochondrial DNA contains 37 genes, all of which are
essential for normal mitochondrial function. Thirteen of these genes
provide instructions for making enzymes involved in oxidative
phosphorylation. The remaining genes provide instructions for making
molecules called transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA),
which are chemical cousins of DNA. These types of RNA help assemble
protein building blocks (amino acids) into functioning proteins and the
synthesis of respiratory enzymes.

Q) Some parasitic worm, such as tape worms, live in a mammalian

gut where there is no oxygen. Suggest how at tape worm produces
ATP in such an environment.

Ans) Some organisms are able to continually convert

energy without the presence of oxygen. They undergo glycolysis,
followed by the anaerobic process of fermentation to make ATP.
During anaerobic respiration, only glycolysis occurs. The 2 molecules of
NADH that are generated during glycolysis are then converted back
into NAD+ during anaerobic respiration so that glycolysis can continue.
Since glycolysis only produces 2 ATP, anaerobic respiration is much less
efficient than aerobic respiration (2 ATP molecules compared to 36-ish
ATP molecules). However, 2 ATP molecules is much better for a cell
than 0 ATP molecules. In anaerobic situations, the cell needs to
continue performing glycolysis to generate 2 ATP per glucose because
if a cell is not generating any ATP, it will die.