Chapter 25.3, Problem 1SB

Summary Introduction

To review:

The key points of the theory of Endosymbiont’s origin for mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Introduction:

According to the Endosymbiotic theory, there is a symbiotic relationship between the mitochondria and plastids with the eukaryotic cells. It is said that they were formed after they were eaten by the eukaryotes. Mitochondria and plastids have their own circular DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), have sizes almost equal to bacteria, composition of their inner cell membrane also matches that of the bacterial plasma membrane, and have similar ribosomes to that of bacterial cells.