Which of the following two cell organelles have their own genetic material ?

Mitochondria and plastids (such as chloroplasts) are unique cell organelles because they possess their own genetic material (DNA) and ribosomes. This characteristic makes them semi-autonomous, meaning they can synthesize some of their own proteins and replicate independently within the cell.

• Mitochondria: Known as the 'powerhouse of the cell,' they contain mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) which is essential for producing enzymes involved in cellular respiration and ATP production.
• Plastids: Found in plant cells and algae, they contain plastid DNA (ptDNA) to manage functions like photosynthesis and pigment storage.

In contrast, other organelles like the Endoplasmic reticulum, Lysosomes, and Golgi apparatus do not have their own DNA and depend entirely on the nucleus for genetic instructions. The presence of independent DNA in mitochondria and plastids is explained by the endosymbiotic theory, suggesting they originated from ancient free-living prokaryotes.