The evolution of eukaryotic cells most likely involved ________.
A) endosymbiosis of an aerobic bacterium in a larger host cell-the endosymbiont evolved into mitochondria
B) anaerobic archaea taking up residence inside a larger bacterial host cell to escape toxic oxygen-the anaerobic bacterium evolved into chloroplasts
C) an endosymbiotic fungal cell evolving into the nucleus
D) acquisition of an endomembrane system and subsequent evolution of mitochondria from a portion of the Golgi apparatus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The endosymbiotic theory suggests that eukaryotic cells evolved from the merging of smaller prokaryotic cells. One of the key components of this theory is that aerobic bacteria were taken up by larger host cells and eventually evolved into mitochondria, providing eukaryotic cells with an efficient energy source. There is no evidence to suggest that fungal cells evolved into the nucleus or that an endomembrane system led to the evolution of mitochondria. Option B is not supported by current scientific evidence as it suggests that anaerobic archaea became chloroplasts, which are typically found in photosynthetic organisms.

The Evolution of Eukaryotic Cells Most Likely Involved ________