Question

Which of the following statements helps support the endosymbiotic theory?

(choice a) if isolated from a plant cell, a chloroplast can survive and reproduce on its own. a if isolated from a plant cell, a chloroplast can survive and reproduce on its own.
(choice b) if isolated from a eukaryotic cell, mitochondria can no longer survive and reproduce on their own. b if isolated from a eukaryotic cell, mitochondria can no longer survive and reproduce on their own.
(choice c) all cells contain ribosomes that conduct protein synthesis. c all cells contain ribosomes that conduct protein synthesis.
(choice d) cells contain genetic information in the form of dna. d cells contain genetic information in the form of dna.

Answer 1

The endosymbiotic theory is supported by the fact that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA and ribosomes similar to those of bacteria and divide through a process like bacterial binary fission. option b is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the statements that supports the endosymbiotic theory is that mitochondria and chloroplasts arose as a result of prokaryotic cells establishing a symbiotic relationship within a eukaryotic host. This theory was proposed by Lynn Margulis and suggests that these organelles were once free-living bacteria that became permanent residents within larger cells.

Based on the endosymbiotic theory, the correct statement is that chloroplasts and mitochondria contain their own DNA, which is similar to that of their bacterial counterparts and they are capable of dividing independently through a process resembling bacterial binary fission.

Therefore, among the given choices, the most supportive statement of the endosymbiotic theory might be an omitted option suggesting that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA and ribosomes that resemble those found in bacteria, not the statements listed. Both these attributes are consistent with the endosymbiotic origin of these organelles.