# A yeast cell is a eukaryotic cell. Explain why a yeast cell contains mitochondria but does not contain chloroplasts.

> OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B1.1 Cell structures · Explain · 4 marks

> Yeast are single-celled fungi that can be found living on the surface of fruit. They obtain energy by breaking down sugars such as glucose.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration
2. Yeast needs to release energy (from glucose / organic compounds) to carry out life processes
3. Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis / contain chlorophyll to absorb light energy
4. Yeast cannot photosynthesise because it is not a photosynthetic organism / does not carry out photosynthesis to make its own food

## Key terms

- [mitochondria](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitochondria)
- [chloroplasts](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chloroplasts)
- [eukaryotic cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/eukaryotic-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-yeast-cell-is-a-eukaryotic-064b0809) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.