Organelle having DNA is ____?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of cellular organelles that contain DNA, which is a fundamental concept in cell biology. The presence of DNA in an organelle indicates that it is semi-autonomous and has its own genetic material, allowing it to perform specific functions within the cell.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is the mitochondrion, which is the only organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains its own DNA, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This DNA is responsible for encoding some of the proteins involved in the electron transport chain, which generates energy for the cell through oxidative phosphorylation. The mitochondrion's DNA is separate from the cell's nuclear DNA and is transmitted from mother to offspring.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The nucleus is the organelle that contains the majority of the cell's DNA, but it is not the correct answer because the question specifically asks for an organelle having its own DNA.
**Option B:** The ribosome is responsible for protein synthesis, but it does not contain DNA; instead, it reads messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences to assemble amino acids into proteins.
**Option C:** The Golgi apparatus is involved in protein modification, sorting, and packaging, but it does not contain DNA.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that mitochondria are the site of oxidative phosphorylation, which is crucial for producing energy for the cell. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic disorders.
**Correct Answer: C. Mitochondrion**