In your own words, describe the endosymbiotic theory.

Answer 1

The endosymbiotic theory proposes that eukaryotic cells, which are the building blocks of complex organisms like plants, animals, and fungi, evolved through a symbiotic relationship between different prokaryotic cells. It suggests that a long time ago, one type of prokaryotic cell engulfed another, establishing a mutualistic relationship where both cells benefited from each other's presence. The engulfed cell eventually became an organelle within the host cell, providing essential functions such as energy production or nutrient processing. Over time, the two cells became interdependent to the point where they couldn't survive without each other. This theory helps explain the origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts, which are thought to have originated from symbiotic relationships between ancestors of eukaryotic cells and bacteria or photosynthetic organisms.