Multiple Choice
Which of the following terms describes two genes that diverged in two or more species?
1127
views
6
rank
1. Overview of Cell Biology
Evolution of the Cell
Multiple Choice
In the context of the evolution of the eukaryotic cell (endosymbiotic theory), it is believed mitochondria evolved from which ancestral organism?
A
A specialized invagination of the host cell plasma membrane that later acquired its own DNA
B
Aerobic bacteria related to modern alphaproteobacteria that became an endosymbiont inside a host cell
C
Archaea that evolved internal membranes and differentiated into an energy-producing organelle
D
Photosynthetic cyanobacteria that lost photosynthesis and became the primary site of cellular respiration
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the endosymbiotic theory, which explains the origin of certain organelles in eukaryotic cells as a result of a symbiotic relationship between early eukaryotic ancestors and prokaryotic organisms.
Recall that mitochondria are believed to have originated from a specific type of ancestral organism that was engulfed by a host cell and eventually became an integral part of it.
Identify the characteristics of the ancestral organism that gave rise to mitochondria: it was an aerobic (oxygen-using) bacterium capable of efficient energy production through cellular respiration.
Recognize that this ancestral organism is closely related to modern alphaproteobacteria, a group of bacteria known for their aerobic metabolism.
Conclude that mitochondria evolved from aerobic bacteria related to modern alphaproteobacteria that became endosymbionts inside a host cell, supporting the energy needs of the early eukaryotic cell.
Related Videos
Related Practice
