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Question 7 of 10

Which two statements describe events that may have led to the complexity
found in eukaryotic cells?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Complexity in eukaryotic cells can be explained by the endosymbiotic theory and gene duplication with divergence.


Step-by-step explanation:

Complexity found in eukaryotic cells can be attributed to two main factors:

  1. Endosymbiotic theory: Eukaryotic cells are thought to have evolved from the merging of smaller prokaryotic cells. This theory suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. The merging of these cells allowed for the development of more complex cellular processes.
  2. Gene duplication and divergence: Eukaryotic cells have multiple copies of genes, which can lead to the development of new functions and structures. Gene duplication provides redundancy, allowing one copy of a gene to continue performing its original function while the other copy evolves and acquires new functions.

Learn more about Factors contributing to the complexity of eukaryotic cells

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