Answer to Question #163515 in Genetics for Daljit

Question

what are three lines of evidence in support of mitochondria and chloroplasts originally developing from endosymbiotic bacterial cells?

Answer 1

There are three key evidence to support mitochondria and chloroplasts originally developing from endosymbiotic bacterial cells. These evidences are;

1. DNA. Each mitochondrion has its own circular DNA genome, like a bacteria's genome, but much smaller. It passes this DNA from a mitochondrion to its offspring and is separate from the "host" cell's genome in the nucleus.
2. Membranes. Mitochondria have their own cell membranes, just like a prokaryotic cell does.
3. Reproduction. Mitochondria multiply by pinching in half — the same process used by bacteria. They must produce every new mitochondrion from a parent mitochondrion in this way; if a cell's mitochondria are removed, it can't build new ones from scratch.