One of the key innovations in the evolution of eukaryotes from a prokaryotic ancestor is the endomembrane system. What eukaryotic organelles or features might have evolved as a part of, or as an elaboration of, the endomembrane system?
A) plasma membrane
B) chloroplasts
C) mitochondria
D) nuclear envelope
E) none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nuclear envelope is a fundamental component of the endomembrane system, as it is a double membrane that surrounds the nucleus and separates it from the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope evolved from the infolding of the plasma membrane, which allowed for the separation of transcription and translation within the cell.

Answer: A, C
 The plasma membrane and mitochondria are both organelles that are derived from the endomembrane system. The plasma membrane evolved from the ancestral cell membrane, which was then elaborated upon to form the various membranous organelles of the endomembrane system. Mitochondria, which are thought to have evolved from a free-living prokaryote that was engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell, also have a double membrane structure that is similar to that of the nuclear envelope.

One of the Key Innovations in the Evolution of Eukaryotes