Multiple Choice
According to the endosymbiotic theory, which of the following organelles were originally free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by larger eukaryotic cells?
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5. Cell Components
Endosymbiotic Theory
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Which of the following statements provides evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory?
A
Eukaryotic cells lack any similarities to prokaryotic cells.
B
All eukaryotic organelles are surrounded by a single membrane.
C
Mitochondria and chloroplasts are formed de novo in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
D
Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own circular DNA similar to bacterial DNA.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the endosymbiotic theory. This theory suggests that certain organelles in eukaryotic cells, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living prokaryotic cells that were engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell. Over time, these prokaryotes formed a symbiotic relationship with the host cell.
Step 2: Identify the key evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory. One of the strongest pieces of evidence is that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular DNA, which is similar to the DNA found in prokaryotic cells (bacteria).
Step 3: Analyze the incorrect statements. For example, the statement 'Eukaryotic cells lack any similarities to prokaryotic cells' is false because eukaryotic cells share many similarities with prokaryotic cells, such as the presence of ribosomes and a plasma membrane. This does not support the endosymbiotic theory.
Step 4: Evaluate the statement 'All eukaryotic organelles are surrounded by a single membrane.' This is incorrect because mitochondria and chloroplasts are surrounded by a double membrane, which is consistent with the idea that they were once independent prokaryotic cells.
Step 5: Consider the statement 'Mitochondria and chloroplasts are formed de novo in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.' This is also incorrect because mitochondria and chloroplasts arise from pre-existing mitochondria and chloroplasts through a process similar to binary fission, which is characteristic of prokaryotic cells. The correct statement is that mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own circular DNA, providing strong evidence for the endosymbiotic theory.
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