Multiple Choice
Which of the following pieces of evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory?
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5. Cell Components
Endosymbiotic Theory
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According to the endosymbiotic theory, the mitochondria and chloroplasts appear to have originated from what?
A
Prokaryotic cells that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells
B
Primitive eukaryotic cells that lost their independence
C
Viral particles that integrated into the host genome
D
Eukaryotic cells that evolved independently within the cell
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the endosymbiotic theory: This theory suggests that certain organelles within eukaryotic cells, specifically mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living prokaryotic cells that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.
Identify the characteristics of mitochondria and chloroplasts: Both organelles have their own DNA, which is circular and similar to bacterial DNA, and they replicate independently of the cell, supporting the idea of a prokaryotic origin.
Consider the options given: Evaluate each option based on the endosymbiotic theory. The theory specifically involves prokaryotic cells being engulfed, not primitive eukaryotic cells losing independence, viral particles integrating, or eukaryotic cells evolving independently.
Analyze the correct option: The correct answer is that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells, as this aligns with the evidence and the endosymbiotic theory.
Conclude with the reasoning: The presence of prokaryotic-like DNA and the double membrane structure of these organelles further supports the idea that they were once independent prokaryotic cells that became symbiotic within a host eukaryotic cell.
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