Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 40m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 37m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 7m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood1h 22m
18. The Heart1h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance Coming soon
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity Coming soon

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Endosymbiotic Theory

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Endosymbiotic Theory

1:37 minutes

Problem 17

Textbook Question

How might the phrase 'ingested but not digested' be used in a description of the endosymbiotic theory?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the endosymbiotic theory: It suggests that certain organelles, like mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated as free-living bacteria that were engulfed by a host cell.

Recognize the concept of 'ingested but not digested': In this context, it means that the engulfed bacteria were taken into the host cell but not broken down or digested.

Relate this to the endosymbiotic theory: The engulfed bacteria were not digested by the host cell's lysosomes, allowing them to survive and establish a symbiotic relationship.

Consider the mutual benefits: The host cell provided protection and nutrients, while the engulfed bacteria contributed additional capabilities, such as energy production.

Reflect on the evolutionary significance: Over time, these bacteria became integral parts of the host cell, evolving into organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The endosymbiotic theory posits that certain organelles, particularly mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. This theory explains the dual genetic origins of these organelles, as they contain their own DNA, which is similar to bacterial DNA, supporting the idea of a symbiotic relationship that evolved over time.

Ingestion vs. Digestion

In the context of biology, 'ingested but not digested' refers to the process where an organism takes in substances that are not fully broken down or utilized. In the endosymbiotic theory, this phrase can illustrate how engulfed prokaryotes were incorporated into eukaryotic cells, where they were not digested but instead formed a mutually beneficial relationship, contributing to the host's metabolic functions.

Symbiosis

Symbiosis is a biological term describing the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity, often to the benefit of both. In the context of the endosymbiotic theory, the relationship between the engulfed prokaryotes and the host eukaryotic cell exemplifies a symbiotic relationship, where the prokaryotes provided essential functions, such as energy production, enhancing the survival and efficiency of the host cell.

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