Name two examples of lateral gene transfer to eukaryotes that involve cellular organelles.
A) transfer of bacterial genes that were predecessors to mitochondria and chloroplasts
B) transfer of the bacterial mitochondrial apparatus to form nuclei and ribosomes
C) transfer of bacterial chloroplasts to form nuclei and ribosomes
D) transfer of bacterial genes to form nuclei and the mitotic spindle apparatus
E) transfer of the bacterial spindle apparatus to form ribosomes and transfer RNAs

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts are believed to have evolved from free-living bacterial ancestors, which were engulfed by early eukaryotic cells. This process is known as endosymbiosis and is a form of lateral gene transfer.

Answer: C
 There is no evidence of bacterial chloroplasts integrating into eukaryotic nuclei or forming ribosomes. The transfer of bacterial genes to form nuclei and the mitotic spindle apparatus is a hypothetical scenario that has not been observed. Transfer of the bacterial spindle apparatus to form ribosomes and transfer RNAs is also not a known process.

Name Two Examples of Lateral Gene Transfer to Eukaryotes That