Mitochondria are thought to be the descendants of certain alpha proteobacteria. They are, however, no longer able to lead independent lives because most genes originally present on their chromosome have moved to the nuclear genome. Which phenomenon accounts for the movement of these genes?
A) plasmolysis
B) conjugation
C) translation
D) endocytosis
E) horizontal gene transfer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer, the transfer of DNA between organisms, is believed to have occurred between the ancestral alpha proteobacterium and the host cell that ultimately became the first eukaryote. This transfer likely involved the transfer of genes from the alpha proteobacterium into the host cell's nucleus, resulting in the loss of many genes from the mitochondrial genome.

Mitochondria Are Thought to Be the Descendants of Certain Alpha