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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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains the endosymbiotic theory of how eukaryotic cells originated?

Eukaryotic cells evolved directly from viruses that infected prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells originated from the fusion of two identical prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells arose when a larger prokaryotic cell engulfed smaller prokaryotes, which then lived symbiotically inside the host cell.

Eukaryotic cells formed from the spontaneous assembly of complex organelles in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of the endosymbiotic theory. This theory explains the origin of eukaryotic cells as a result of a symbiotic relationship between different prokaryotic cells. Specifically, it suggests that certain organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by a larger host cell.

Step 2: Analyze the key evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory. For example, mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA, which is circular like prokaryotic DNA. They also have double membranes and reproduce independently within the cell, similar to prokaryotic cells.

Step 3: Evaluate the options provided in the problem. The correct explanation should align with the idea that eukaryotic cells arose from a larger prokaryotic cell engulfing smaller prokaryotes, which then lived symbiotically inside the host cell.

Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the idea that eukaryotic cells evolved directly from viruses or formed spontaneously from complex organelles does not align with the evidence or principles of the endosymbiotic theory.

Step 5: Confirm the correct answer. The explanation that eukaryotic cells arose when a larger prokaryotic cell engulfed smaller prokaryotes, which then lived symbiotically inside the host cell, is consistent with the endosymbiotic theory and supported by scientific evidence.