Question

Are prokaryotes older than the eukaryotes?

Answer 1

Evolution of eukaryotes from prokaryotes:

1. As per the endosymbiotic theory, the first eukaryotic cells evolved from a symbiotic relationship between two or more prokaryotic cells.
2. The larger prokaryotic cells invaded or engulfed the smaller prokaryotic cells.
3. Eukaryotes are considered to be evolved around 2.7 billion years ago, following 1 to 1.5 billion years(approx.) of prokaryotic evolution.
4. Mitochondria & chloroplasts are considered to be prokaryotic organisms before eukaryotes' evolution.
5. They possess circular, single-stranded DNA(as found in prokaryotes).
6. This evidence supports the endosymbiosis theory because these characteristics would have allowed the mitochondria and chloroplasts to survive independently before the evolution of eukaryotes.
7. From an evolutionary point of view, prokaryotes preceded eukaryotes. Therefore, it can be said that prokaryotes are older than eukaryotes.