Question

According to the endosymbiotic theory, what is the likely origin of the mitochondria?

A. Infolded cell membranes
B. Aerobic bacteria
C. Anaerobic bacteria
D. Non-photosynthetic chloroplasts

Answer 1

According to the endosymbiotic theory, the likely origin of mitochondria is aerobic bacteria. This theory suggests that mitochondria were once independent prokaryotes that became endosymbionts within primitive eukaryotic cells. Chloroplasts also likely originated from endosymbiotic relationships with cyanobacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The endosymbiotic theory suggests that the mitochondria likely originated from aerobic bacteria. Lynn Margulis proposed this theory, which states that mitochondria were once independent prokaryotes that were engulfed by primitive eukaryotic cells and became endosymbionts. Like mitochondria, chloroplasts also likely originated from endosymbiotic relationships with cyanobacteria.