Question

a typical cell has different organelles that each have a unique function. for example, mitochondria produce energy, ribosomes synthesize proteins, and endoplasmic reticulum transports proteins. why do cells contain different organelles? a. different organelles interact as a system so that the whole cell can function as the basic unit of life. b. different organelles act independently of one another so that the whole cell can function as the basic unit of life. c. different organelles interact as a system because each organelle can carry out all of the functions of a cell. d. different organelles act independently of one another because each organelle can carry out all of the functions of a cell.

Explanation:

Organelles in a cell do not work in isolation. They interact as a system. Each organelle has its specific function, but for the cell to function as a whole (as the basic unit of life), these organelles need to interact. For example, ribosomes synthesize proteins, and the endoplasmic reticulum transports them. Mitochondria provide energy which is used by other organelles. If organelles acted independently (options B and D), the cell's complex functions (like metabolism, protein synthesis, etc.) wouldn't be coordinated. Option C is wrong because each organelle cannot carry out all functions of a cell (they are specialized).

Answer:

A. Different organelles interact as a system so that the whole cell can function as the basic unit of life.