Question

What evidence supports the bacterial origin of mitochondria?

Answer 1

Endosymbiosis of bacteria:

1. Endosymbiosis is said to be a symbiotic relationship where one organism lives inside the other.
2. The endosymbiotic theory of mitochondrial formation supports the bacterial origin of mitochondria.
3. Certain single-celled, aerobic prokaryotes (bacteria) were engulfed by a eukaryotic cell.
4. Since these bacteria were aerobic, they were capable of utilising oxygen and generating energy.
5. Over several years, gene transfer occurred from the eukaryotic host cell to this aerobic prokaryote.
6. The evolution of this endosymbiotic relationship whereby the prokaryote survived and evolved inside the eukaryote gave rise to mitochondria.