Which of the following is NOT valid evidence to support the Endosymbiotic Theory?

Question

a. Mitochondria contain a small, circular piece of DNA

b. Mitochondria divide by binary fission

c. Mitochondria can survive independently outside of the cell

d. Chloroplasts are surrounded by a double membrane

e. Chloroplasts are about the size of modern-day photosynthetic bacteria

Answer 1

The statement that is NOT valid evidence to support the Endosymbiotic Theory is:

c. Mitochondria can survive independently outside of the cell.

While mitochondria exhibit some characteristics similar to bacteria, such as their own DNA and the method of division, actual independent survival outside of a host cell is not a characteristic of mitochondria. Instead, they are generally considered to be dependent on the host cell for certain functions and nutrients. In contrast, the other options (a, b, d, and e) provide valid evidence supporting the Endosymbiotic Theory.