Question

Mitochondrial DNA evolved from an aerobic bacterium that later became the ancestor for all eukaryotic cells. Most genes were transferred to the nucleus leaving only the most hydrophobic proteins in the inner membrane. This enzyme synthesizes mitochondrial RNA's an is not related to enzymes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells but more closely related to bacterial viruses. Which enzyme are we referring to?

Answer 1

Mitochondrial DNA evolved from an aerobic bacterium that later became the ancestor for all eukaryotic cells, the enzyme being referred to is the enzyme that synthesizes mitochondrial RNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mitochondria are thought to have evolved from an aerobic bacterium that became the ancestor for all eukaryotic cells. Most of the genes from this bacterium were transferred to the nucleus, leaving only the most hydrophobic proteins in the inner membrane.

Many lines of evidence support the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that mitochondria were once free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancient eukaryotic cells. The presence of mitochondrial DNA, the similarities in structure and function to alpha-proteobacteria, and the fact that mitochondria divide on their own by a process similar to binary fission in prokaryotes all support this theory.

So therefore the enzyme being referred to is the enzyme that synthesizes mitochondrial RNA. This enzyme is not related to enzymes found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells but is more closely related to bacterial viruses.