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 chromosomes have moved to the nuclear genome. Which phenomenon accounts for the movement of these genes?
A) plasmolysis
B) conjugation
C) translation
D) horizontal gene transfer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer is the movement of genes from one genome to another. In the case of mitochondria, it is believed that the transfer of genes from the mitochondrial genome to the nuclear genome occurred through horizontal gene transfer during evolution. As a result, mitochondria are now unable to lead independent lives, and most of their genes have been incorporated into the nuclear genome.

Mitochondria Are Thought to Be the Descendants of Certain Alpha