UPSC CSE Prelims 2001
Mitochondria are cellular organelles, distinct from the nucleus, that possess their own genetic material. This is known asmitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is typically circular. The presence of mtDNA enables mitochondria to synthesize a limited number of their own proteins and enzymes essential forcellular respiration. This characteristic is a key piece of evidence supporting theendosymbiotic theory, which postulates that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms.
Centrioles are primarily involved in cell division and the formation of cilia and flagella, but they do not contain DNA.
The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles; it does not possess genetic material.
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing hydrolytic enzymes, functioning in cellular waste breakdown and recycling. They do not contain DNA.