Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
The theory of endosymbiosis is based on which of the following lines of evidence?
A
The ability of eukaryotic cells to perform photosynthesis independently of organelles
B
The presence of a single, linear chromosome in all organelles
C
The presence of circular DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts, similar to bacterial genomes
D
The lack of ribosomes in mitochondria and chloroplasts
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the theory of endosymbiosis: This theory suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. Over time, these prokaryotes became integral parts of the eukaryotic cell.
Identify the key evidence supporting endosymbiosis: Mitochondria and chloroplasts have characteristics similar to bacteria, such as their own circular DNA, which is distinct from the linear DNA found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
Examine the presence of ribosomes: Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain ribosomes that resemble bacterial ribosomes in size and structure, further supporting their prokaryotic origin.
Analyze the independence of organelles: Mitochondria and chloroplasts can replicate independently of the eukaryotic cell's nucleus, which is consistent with their evolutionary history as independent prokaryotic organisms.
Conclude the correct evidence: The presence of circular DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts, similar to bacterial genomes, is a key line of evidence supporting the theory of endosymbiosis. This distinguishes them from other organelles and supports their evolutionary origin.