Question

How does endosymbiosis play a role in the evolution of prokaryotes to eukaryotes

Answer 1

• Prokaryotes are characterised as cells that lack nucleus and other membrane bound organelle while eukaryotes are characterised by organisms with cells having nucleus and membrane bound organelles.

• Recent evidences suggest that organelles in eukaryotic cell have originated from the endosymbiotic association of ingested aerobic and photosynthetic prokaryotes. These prokaryotes are now considerd as precursors of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
• It is believed,after the host cell engulfed the prokaryotes a symbiotic assotiation was established between the host and phagocytosed prokaryote and was stabilised by their mutual benefit.
• Finally the prokaryote lost its independent survival ability and turned into a organelle. And the symbionts associated to form an eukaryotic cell as a result of endosymbiosis.