In the context of the evolution of the eukaryotic cell (endosymbiotic theory), mitochondria most likely originated from which ancestral organism?
A
An internal specialization of the endoplasmic reticulum that evolved to produce ATP
B
A cyanobacterium that was engulfed and evolved into the organelle responsible for cellular respiration
C
A virus that integrated into the host genome and later became a double-membrane organelle
D
An aerobic alpha-proteobacterium that was engulfed by an ancestral host cell and became an endosymbiont
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1
Understand the endosymbiotic theory, which explains the origin of certain organelles in eukaryotic cells as a result of a symbiotic relationship between ancestral prokaryotic cells and early eukaryotes.
Recall that mitochondria are double-membraned organelles responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration, indicating a prokaryotic origin related to aerobic metabolism.
Identify that mitochondria most likely originated from an aerobic alpha-proteobacterium, a type of bacteria capable of using oxygen to generate energy efficiently.
Recognize that this alpha-proteobacterium was engulfed by an ancestral host cell, but instead of being digested, it formed a mutually beneficial relationship, becoming an endosymbiont.
Conclude that over evolutionary time, this endosymbiont evolved into the mitochondrion, retaining some bacterial features such as its own DNA and double membrane.