Mitochondria and chloroplasts are thought to have been incorporated into eukaryotic cells through endosymbiOSis, a process where a larger cell engulfed smaller prokaryotic cells. Over time, these smaller cells evolved a mutually beneficial relationship with the larger cell, eventually becoming specialized organelles within the eukaryotic cell. This theory is supported by evidence such as the similarities between these organelles and modern-day bacteria, as well as their own DNA and ability to replicate independently within the cell.
Copyright © 2026 eLLeNow.com All Rights Reserved.