Question

1. Which two of the major groups of bacteria are linked to the Endosymbiotic Theory and what organelles are involved?

Answer 1

Endosymbiotic theory ia an evolutionary theory of the origin of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic organism. The theory holds that Mitochondria and Chloroplasts, two prokaryotic organelles are descended from prokaryotes. Mitochondria appear to be phylogenetically related to proteobacteria and Chloroplasts to cyanobacteria. The theory states that a prokaryotic cell was consumed or engulfed by a larger cell. By some unknown seasons the prokaryotic organelles was not consumed. Such lack of consumption would later lead to both cells forming mutual simultaneously, receiving surviving benefits from each other. Over time, the newly combined organelles would develop into the complex eukaryotic cell of today.

Mitochondria and Chloroplasts are two organelles found in eukaryotic cells. Chloroplast is only found in plant while majority of eukaryotic cells have mitochondria. Even both organelles are found in eukaryotic cells, both mitochondria and Chloroplast have characteristics often found in prokaryotic cells. These prokaryotic cell characteristics include : an enclosed double membrane, circular DNA and bacteria like ribosome. Mitochondria and Chloroplasts both conduct prokaryotic activities. Mitochondria performs respiration while Chloroplast perform photosynthesis. These observed characteristics of both mitochondria and Chloroplast are heart of Endosymbiotic theory.