BRAINCAKEThe Theory of Endosymbiosis
The theory of endosymbiosis states that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living prokaryotes. which were taken into other cells by endocytosis and this eventually led to the evolution of eukaryotes.
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Key terms in this lesson
- mitochondrion
- An organelle with a double membrane, the inner one folded into cristae, that is the site of aerobic respiration and ATP production.
- prokaryotic cell
- A cell with no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, found in bacteria.
- eukaryotic cell
- A cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in animals, plants, fungi and protoctists.
- ATP
- Adenosine triphosphate, a nucleotide that acts as the immediate energy source of a cell, releasing energy when hydrolysed to ADP and inorganic phosphate.
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