MCQ Detailed View

Mesosomes are specialized infoldings of the plasma membrane found in bacterial cells. They are not separate organelles like mitochondria but are membrane structures that play an important role in bacterial physiology. Mesosomes are believed to assist in cell wall formation, DNA replication, and distribution of genetic material during cell division. They also help increase the surface area of the plasma membrane, enhancing the cell’s ability to carry out metabolic reactions.

The functions of mesosomes are often compared to those of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, because they are involved in energy-related processes. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of eukaryotic cells, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration. Similarly, mesosomes are thought to be sites of enzyme activity for respiration and energy production in bacteria, although their exact role has been debated, and some studies suggest they may be artifacts of cell preparation.

Mesosomes are not ribosomes, as ribosomes synthesize proteins, nor are they Golgi bodies, which modify and package proteins in eukaryotic cells. Their primary role is energy and metabolic support, which is why mitochondria are the best eukaryotic equivalent in terms of function.

Understanding mesosomes helps students grasp how prokaryotic cells perform life processes without membrane-bound organelles. It shows how bacteria efficiently carry out respiration, growth, and division, using adaptations like mesosomes to maintain metabolic activity. This knowledge is fundamental in microbiology, cellular biology, and everyday science, as it explains the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

The correct answer is Option 2 — Mitochondria, highlighting that mesosomes perform functions similar to mitochondria in terms of energy production and metabolism in bacterial cells.