Which of the following organelles are known to have their own genetic material? 1. Mitochondria 2. Ribosomes 3. Golgi apparatus 4. Plastids Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 4 only. Explanation In eukaryotic cells, the majority of genetic material (DNA) is housed within the nucleus. However, certain organelles, termed semi-autonomous organelles, possess their own specific genetic machinery, including circular DNA and ribosomes, allowing them to synthesize some of their own proteins. Statement-wise Analysis - 1. Mitochondria: Correct. Mitochondria contain their own single circular DNA molecule (mtDNA) and RNA molecules. They also possess 70S ribosomes, which allow them to synthesize proteins required for their function, such as those involved in aerobic respiration. - 2. Ribosomes: Incorrect. Ribosomes are non-membrane-bound structures composed of Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. They are the site of protein synthesis but do not possess their own genomic DNA. They translate the mRNA synthesized from the nuclear DNA. - 3. Golgi apparatus: Incorrect. The Golgi apparatus is part of the endomembrane system responsible for packaging and modifying proteins. It does not contain any genetic material (DNA). - 4. Plastids: Correct. Plastids (such as chloroplasts) are found in plant cells and euglenoids. Like mitochondria, they contain their own double-stranded circular DNA and 70S ribosomes. This allows them to replicate independently of the nucleus to some extent. Key Takeaway Mitochondria and Plastids are the only major organelles in eukaryotic cells that contain their own DNA and ribosomes. This characteristic supports the Endosymbiotic Theory, suggesting they originated from prokaryotic cells.

NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 1: The fundamental unit of life

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Which of the following organelles are known to have their own genetic material?

Mitochondria
Ribosomes
Golgi apparatus
Plastids

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 4 only.

Explanation

In eukaryotic cells, the majority of genetic material (DNA) is housed within the nucleus. However, certain organelles, termed semi-autonomous organelles, possess their own specific genetic machinery, including circular DNA and ribosomes, allowing them to synthesize some of their own proteins.

Statement-wise Analysis

1. Mitochondria: Correct. Mitochondria contain their own single circular DNA molecule (mtDNA) and RNA molecules. They also possess 70S ribosomes, which allow them to synthesize proteins required for their function, such as those involved in aerobic respiration.
2. Ribosomes: Incorrect. Ribosomes are non-membrane-bound structures composed of Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. They are the site of protein synthesis but do not possess their own genomic DNA. They translate the mRNA synthesized from the nuclear DNA.
3. Golgi apparatus: Incorrect. The Golgi apparatus is part of the endomembrane system responsible for packaging and modifying proteins. It does not contain any genetic material (DNA).
4. Plastids: Correct. Plastids (such as chloroplasts) are found in plant cells and euglenoids. Like mitochondria, they contain their own double-stranded circular DNA and 70S ribosomes. This allows them to replicate independently of the nucleus to some extent.

Key Takeaway

Mitochondria and Plastids are the only major organelles in eukaryotic cells that contain their own DNA and ribosomes. This characteristic supports the Endosymbiotic Theory, suggesting they originated from prokaryotic cells.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The fundamental unit of life

With reference to Plastids, consider the following statements: 1. They are present only in plant cells. 2. Chromoplasts are colourless plastids, while leucoplasts contain chlorophyll. 3. Unlike mitochondria, plastids lack their own DNA and ribosomes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

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Consider the following statements about Vacuoles: 1. They are small-sized in animal cells while plant cells have very large vacuoles. 2. In Amoeba, the food vacuole is absent. 3. They can play a role in expelling excess water from the cell. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to osmosis, consider the following statements: 1. Osmosis is the net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane. 2. If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it is likely to shrink. 3. Water molecules pass across the membrane in only one direction during osmosis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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A plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. Which of the following phenomena is most likely to occur?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 4 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

1. Mitochondria: Correct. Mitochondria contain their own single circular DNA molecule (mtDNA) and RNA molecules. They also possess 70S ribosomes, which allow them to synthesize proteins required for their function, such as those involved in aerobic respiration.
2. Ribosomes: Incorrect. Ribosomes are non-membrane-bound structures composed of Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. They are the site of protein synthesis but do not possess their own genomic DNA. They translate the mRNA synthesized from the nuclear DNA.
3. Golgi apparatus: Incorrect. The Golgi apparatus is part of the endomembrane system responsible for packaging and modifying proteins. It does not contain any genetic material (DNA).
4. Plastids: Correct. Plastids (such as chloroplasts) are found in plant cells and euglenoids. Like mitochondria, they contain their own double-stranded circular DNA and 70S ribosomes. This allows them to replicate independently of the nucleus to some extent.