Cells that are not completely dependent on the nucleus for ATP and protein production are called semi-autonomous cells. Chloroplasts and mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles. Because they can produce ATP by their own proteins and enzymes.
1. DNA: Both chloroplasts and mitochondria contain circular DNA with a length of 45 micrometers. This DNA produces proteins and enzymes. These elements are the raw materials for making ATP.
2. Ribosomes: Both chloroplasts and mitochondria contain 70S ribosomes. It synthesizes proteins.
3. Protein synthesis: Studies have shown that DNA in both chloroplasts and mitochondria provides the code for mATP, tATP, rATP and protein synthesis for the cell.
Chloroplasts and mitochondria contain their own DNA and ribosomes. It can make proteins and enzymes that are used to make ATP. Hence chloroplast and mitochondria are called semi-autonomous organelles or semi-autonomous organelles.