Add labels to the figure that follows, which illustrates the endosymbiotic hypothesis.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the main components of the figure, which typically include an ancestral eukaryotic cell and one or more prokaryotic cells.
2. Label the ancestral eukaryotic cell, which is usually larger and contains a nucleus.
3. Label the prokaryotic cells, which are smaller and may represent mitochondria or chloroplasts, depending on the context of the figure.
4. Indicate the process of endocytosis by which the prokaryotic cells are engulfed by the ancestral eukaryotic cell.
5. Highlight any arrows or lines that show the transformation or integration of the prokaryotic cells into organelles within the eukaryotic cell.

Key Concepts

Endosymbiotic Hypothesis

The endosymbiotic hypothesis proposes that certain organelles in eukaryotic cells, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. This theory suggests a symbiotic relationship where the engulfed prokaryotes provided essential functions, such as ATP production, in exchange for protection and nutrients.

Mitochondria and Chloroplasts

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration, while chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis in plant cells. Both organelles contain their own DNA, which is similar to bacterial DNA, supporting the idea that they were once independent prokaryotic organisms that became integral to eukaryotic life.

Evidence Supporting Endosymbiosis

Several lines of evidence support the endosymbiotic hypothesis, including the presence of double membranes around mitochondria and chloroplasts, their own circular DNA, and similarities in ribosomes to those of bacteria. Additionally, genetic and biochemical analyses show that these organelles replicate independently of the cell cycle, akin to prokaryotic division.