Because mitochondria were once independently living prokaryotic cells, if removed from a eukaryotic cell they can survive independently.

Question

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Mitochondria cannot survive independently if removed from a eukaryotic cell because they are completely dependent on the host cell for their survival and function. They have lost many of the genes needed for self-replication and maintenance, which are now provided by the host cell.

Because Mitochondria Were Once Independently Living Prokaryotic Cells, If Removed