Question

Which of the following is evidence for the endosymbiotic theory?

• A. Eukaryotic cells have DNA.
• B. Eukaryotic cells have organelles.
• C. The mitochondria and chloroplast have their own DNA.
• D. Prokaryotic cells are typically larger than eukaryotic cells.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The mitochondria and chloroplast have their own DNA.

Endosymbiotic theory explains that at a certain point of evolution both mitochondria and chloroplast (cyano bacteria) existed independently as prokaryotic organisms. Which were "engulfed" by eukaryotic cells but instead of being consumed a symbiotic association was developed between the cells, which over various stages of evolution became components / organelles of the eukaryotic cell due to migration of some prokaryotic genes to the eukaryotic nucleus. However, they retained their capacity of duplication due to presence of circular DNA

So, the correct answer is'The mitochondria and chloroplast have their own DNA'