What evidence supports the endosymbiosis theory?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for evidence that backs up the endosymbiosis theory, which posits that certain organelles within eukaryotic cells originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral cells. This theory is widely accepted in biology and relates to the evolutionary processes behind cell development.
Answer
Evidence includes mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA, their replication method, and their internal structure and biochemistry, resembling prokaryotic cells.
The final answer is that evidence supporting the endosymbiosis theory includes the presence of their own DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts, the resemblance of their DNA structure to prokaryotic DNA, their self-replication method similar to bacteria, and their internal biochemistry and structures which resemble that of prokaryotes.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that evidence supporting the endosymbiosis theory includes the presence of their own DNA in mitochondria and chloroplasts, the resemblance of their DNA structure to prokaryotic DNA, their self-replication method similar to bacteria, and their internal biochemistry and structures which resemble that of prokaryotes.
More Information
Mitochondria and chloroplasts have retained many characteristics of their ancestral prokaryotic cells. This includes circular DNA, characteristic of bacteria, and the ability to independently replicate within the cell, akin to how bacteria multiply.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the symbiotic relationship as temporary or transient, while it actually represents a fundamental and permanent evolutionary change.
Sources
- What evidence is there to support the endosymbiotic theory? - CK-12 - ck12.org
- Endosymbiotic theory - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
- Endosymbiosis: AP® Biology Crash Course - Albert.io - albert.io
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