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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes an endosymbiont?
A
An organism that lives inside another organism in a mutually beneficial relationship
B
A virus that infects bacterial cells
C
A free-living prokaryote that does not interact with other organisms
D
A cell that engulfs other cells for digestion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'endosymbiont': An endosymbiont is an organism that lives inside another organism (the host) in a mutually beneficial relationship. This is a key concept in biology, particularly in the study of symbiosis and evolutionary biology.
Analyze the first option: 'An organism that lives inside another organism in a mutually beneficial relationship.' This matches the definition of an endosymbiont, as it describes a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.
Analyze the second option: 'A virus that infects bacterial cells.' This describes a parasitic relationship, not a mutualistic one, and does not fit the definition of an endosymbiont.
Analyze the third option: 'A free-living prokaryote that does not interact with other organisms.' This describes an independent organism, which is not living inside another organism, so it does not qualify as an endosymbiont.
Analyze the fourth option: 'A cell that engulfs other cells for digestion.' This describes a process like phagocytosis, which is not related to a mutualistic relationship or the concept of an endosymbiont.