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Endosymbiotic Theory definitions

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  • Endosymbiotic Theory
    A scientific explanation for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts as descendants of engulfed bacteria in eukaryotic cells.
  • Mitochondria
    An organelle in eukaryotic cells believed to have evolved from an aerobic bacterium, responsible for energy production.
  • Chloroplast
    A plant cell organelle derived from a photosynthetic cyanobacterium, enabling photosynthesis.
  • Eukaryotic Cell
    A complex cell type containing membrane-bound organelles, including mitochondria and, in plants, chloroplasts.
  • Aerobic Bacterium
    A type of bacteria that utilizes oxygen for metabolism and is considered the ancestor of mitochondria.
  • Anaerobic Host Cell
    A primitive cell lacking oxygen-based metabolism, which engulfed aerobic bacteria in early evolution.
  • Symbiotic Relationship
    A mutually beneficial association formed between two different organisms, such as host cells and engulfed bacteria.
  • Cyanobacterium
    A photosynthetic prokaryote thought to be the ancestor of chloroplasts in plant cells.
  • Prokaryote
    A simple, nucleus-lacking organism, such as bacteria, sharing features with mitochondria and chloroplasts.
  • Small Circular DNA
    A genetic structure found in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and prokaryotes, supporting their evolutionary connection.
  • 70S Ribosome
    A type of protein-synthesizing structure present in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and prokaryotes.
  • Binary Fission
    A method of asexual reproduction used by prokaryotes, mitochondria, and chloroplasts for self-replication.
  • Double Membrane
    A structural feature of mitochondria and chloroplasts, indicating their origin via engulfment by host cells.
  • Engulfment
    The process by which a host cell internalizes another cell, leading to the development of organelles.