The answer to the question of how eukaryotic cells evolved has been suggested in the Endosymbiotic Theory.   Provide at least 4 pieces of evidence to support this theory.

Concepts of Biology
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Chapter13: Diversity Of Microbes, Fungi, And Protists
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 16CTQ: Describe the hypothesized steps in the origin of eukaryote cells.
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The answer to the question of how eukaryotic cells evolved has been suggested in the Endosymbiotic Theory.   Provide at least 4 pieces of evidence to support this theory.

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The endosymbiotic theory was proposed by Lynn Margulis. This theory explains the origin of eukaryotic cells and other membrane-bound organelles. This theory says that prokaryotic cells engulfed other prokaryotic cells by endocytosis and later evolved into eukaryotic cells. The evidence for the endosymbiotic theory is

 

1. Mitochondria and chloroplast have similar size and structure to that of bacterial cells. These organelles' inner membranes have a similar composition to bacterial membranes. The organelles also have ribosomes which size and structure are similar to that of bacterial ribosomes. Just like bacteria, these organelles have their protein-synthesizing machinery. The mitochondria and chloroplast have a double membrane structure similar to the bacteria.

2. The DNA of mitochondria and chloroplast is different from the DNA found in the eukaryotic nucleus. The genome of mitochondria and chloroplast is circular and similar to the bacteria's. The ribosomes(the 70S) of the organelles are similar to the bacteria. The RNA sequences and their sensitivity to the antibiotics are also similar to the bacteria. The protein synthesis in mitochondria and chloroplast takes place with the help of N-formyl methionyl tRNA which is similar to bacterial protein synthesis. 

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