Endosymbiotic theory

The endosymbiotic theory concerns the origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts, which are organelles of eukaryotic cells. According to this theory, these originated as prokaryotic organisms, which came to live inside prokaryotic cells as endosymbionts. The theory postulates that the mitochondria evolved from facultated anaerobic bacteria (probably proteobacteria, related to the rickettsias), and that the chloroplast evolved from endosymbiotic cyanobacteria (autotrophic prokaryotes). The evidence for this theory is compelling as a whole, and it is now generally accepted.

Related Topics:
Mitochondria - Chloroplast - Organelle - Eukaryotic - Prokaryotic - Endosymbiont - Proteobacteria - Cyanobacteria

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