Question

Why do we believe chloroplast and mitochondria to be semi-autonomous organelle?

Answer 1

Mitochondria and Chloroplast are semi-autonomous organelles or endosymbionts of cells because they

1. Possess their own nucleic acid (DNA molecule).
   
2. Can form some of the required protein but for most of the proteins, these are dependent on nuclear DNA and cytoplasmic ribosome.
3. Do not arise de novo.
   
4. Have membrane similar to those of bacteria.