Cell structures with cisternae: ER and mitochondrion

Steps:

• Recall that cisternae are flattened, sac-like membrane structures in eukaryotic cells.
• Identify organelles with stacked or networked membranous sacs: endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms cisternae in its rough and smooth regions.
• Check mitochondrion: its inner membrane folds into cristae, which include cisternal-like compartments for enzyme housing.
• Eliminate options lacking these features: chloroplasts have thylakoids, Golgi has distinct stacked cisternae but not paired with mitochondrion here.

Why C is correct:

• Cisternae are defined as membrane-bound sacs; ER contains a network of them for protein/lipid processing, and mitochondria have cristae with cisternal spaces for ATP production.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Chloroplasts contain thylakoids (disc-shaped sacs), not true cisternae.
• B: Omits mitochondrion, which also features cisternal structures in cristae.
• D: Golgi body has stacked cisternae but excludes ER, the primary site.

Final answer: C