Question

It has been theorized that the organelles of eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotes living symbiotically within a larger cell. explain three lines of evidence that support this theory.

Answer 1

Three lines of evidence that support the endosymbiotic theory:

1. The presence of membrane- Organelles like mitochondria and plastids have their own cell membranes, just like a prokaryotic cell does,

2. The presence of DNA- Each of these organelles have its own DNA genome, like a bacteria's genome, but much smaller.

3. Reproduction (division)-Multiplication of the organelles occurs just like in bacteria, by division.