3. The mitochondrial inner membrane carries out the same functions in cellular respiration as the ......... membrane of chloroplasts in photosynthesis. Which of the following correctly completes the sentence above?
Answer: C
The mitochondrial inner membrane carries out the same functions in cellular respiration as the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts in photosynthesis.
The thylakoid membrane is responsible for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, which include the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis, similar to the functions of the mitochondrial inner membrane in cellular respiration.
A) Epithelial
The epithelial membrane does not play a role in cellular respiration or photosynthesis. It is a type of tissue that lines surfaces and cavities in the body and is not involved in the biochemical processes of energy production.
B) Nuclear
The nuclear membrane surrounds the cell nucleus and does not participate in cellular respiration or photosynthesis. Its primary function is to protect the genetic material, making it irrelevant to the processes being compared.
C) Thylakoid
The thylakoid membrane is indeed the correct answer as it is where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur, analogous to the mitochondrial inner membrane's role in oxidative phosphorylation during cellular respiration.
D) Tonoplast
The tonoplast is the membrane surrounding the central vacuole in plant cells. It is involved in storage and regulation of ions and molecules but does not have a direct role in the processes of cellular respiration or photosynthesis like the thylakoid membrane does.
Conclusion
The thylakoid membrane correctly completes the sentence because it directly engages in energy conversion processes that are analogous to those occurring in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Other options, such as epithelial, nuclear, and tonoplast membranes, do not share these energy-related functions in cellular respiration or photosynthesis, making them incorrect choices.