Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

5. Cell Components

Endosymbiotic Theory

General Biology

5. Cell Components

Endosymbiotic Theory

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3:41 minutes

Problem 6

Textbook Question

Consider the endosymbiosis theory for the origin of the mitochondrion. How did each endosymbiotic partner benefit from the relationship?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the endosymbiosis theory: This theory suggests that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell. Over time, a symbiotic relationship developed.

Identify the benefits for the engulfed prokaryote: The engulfed prokaryote, which eventually became the mitochondrion, benefited from a stable environment and access to nutrients provided by the host cell.

Identify the benefits for the host eukaryotic cell: The host cell benefited from the engulfed prokaryote's ability to perform aerobic respiration, which allowed for more efficient ATP production compared to anaerobic processes.

Consider the mutualistic relationship: Both the host cell and the engulfed prokaryote gained advantages that enhanced their survival and reproduction, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship.

Reflect on the evolutionary significance: This symbiotic relationship was crucial in the evolution of complex eukaryotic cells, allowing them to become more energy-efficient and paving the way for the development of multicellular organisms.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The endosymbiosis theory suggests that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotes that entered into a symbiotic relationship with ancestral eukaryotic cells. This theory is supported by evidence such as the presence of double membranes and their own DNA in mitochondria, which resemble those of certain bacteria, indicating a shared evolutionary history.

Mutualistic Symbiosis

Mutualistic symbiosis is a type of symbiotic relationship where both partners benefit. In the context of endosymbiosis, the host eukaryotic cell gained enhanced energy production capabilities through the mitochondrion's ability to perform aerobic respiration, while the engulfed prokaryote received protection and access to a rich nutrient environment within the host cell.

Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell due to their role in producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. This function is crucial for eukaryotic cells as it provides the energy necessary for various cellular processes. The acquisition of mitochondria allowed ancestral eukaryotic cells to exploit oxygen more efficiently, leading to increased energy production and evolutionary advantages.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about chloroplasts and mitochondria is true?

Chloroplasts and mitochondria are thought to be of prokaryotic origin. One piece of evidence that supports this hypothesis is that these organelles contain prokaryotic-like ribosomes. These ribosomes are probably most similar to ribosomes found __________.

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Textbook Question

Plastids that are surrounded by more than two membranes are evidence of

a. Evolution from mitochondria.

b. Fusion of plastids.

c. Origin of the plastids from archaea.

d. Secondary endosymbiosis.

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Textbook Question

Biologists think that endosymbiosis gave rise to mitochondria before plastids partly because

a. The products of photosynthesis could not be metabolized without mitochondrial enzymes.

b. All eukaryotes have mitochondria (or their remnants), whereas many eukaryotes do not have plastids.

c. Mitochondrial DNA is less similar to prokaryotic DNA than is plastid DNA.

d. Without mitochondrial CO₂ production, photosynthesis could not occur.

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Textbook Question

Why was finding a close relationship between mitochondrial DNA and bacterial DNA considered particularly strong evidence in favor of the endosymbiosis theory?

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Textbook Question

How might the phrase 'ingested but not digested' be used in a description of the endosymbiotic theory?

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Multiple Choice

Which discovery supported the endosymbiotic theory?

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Multiple Choice

The endosymbiotic theory helps to explain the origin of which structures?