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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5. Cell Components
Endosymbiotic Theory
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Which statement does not support the endosymbiotic theory?
A
Mitochondria and chloroplasts can survive independently outside the cell.
B
Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular DNA similar to bacteria.
C
Mitochondria and chloroplasts are surrounded by a double membrane.
D
Mitochondria and chloroplasts replicate through a process similar to binary fission.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the endosymbiotic theory: It suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living bacteria that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.
Identify key features supporting the theory: Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular DNA, similar to bacteria, which supports the idea of a bacterial origin.
Consider the double membrane: Mitochondria and chloroplasts are surrounded by a double membrane, which is consistent with the engulfing process described by the endosymbiotic theory.
Examine the replication process: Both organelles replicate through a process similar to binary fission, akin to bacterial reproduction, further supporting their bacterial ancestry.
Evaluate the statement about independence: The statement that mitochondria and chloroplasts can survive independently outside the cell does not support the endosymbiotic theory, as these organelles are not capable of independent survival outside the host cell.
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