Question

Why do plant cells have mitochondrion?

Answer 1

Hi,

Plant cells have mitochondria for the same reason that we do - to produce energy (more efficiently!) Specifically, mitochondria allow for a more extensive breakdown of glucose, which results in more ATP for the cell. Do you want a refresher of oxidative phosphorylation?

Also want to point out - chloroplasts do not supersede mitochondria; chloroplasts create sugar from sunlight, but plant cells still need mitochondria to break down the sugar.