Question

evidence for the endosymbiotic theory select all of the following that present evidence of the endosymbiotic theory of organelle evolution. mitochondria and chloroplasts have two membranes, an outer membrane like that of eukaryotes and an inner membrane like that of bacterial cells. mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own linear dna but do not synthesize their own proteins. mitochondria and chloroplasts divide in a manner similar to binary fission. the outer membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts are similar to those of eukaryotes and the inner membranes are similar to those of prokaryotes. mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular dna and synthesize their own proteins. mitochondria and chloroplasts are approximately the same size as prokaryotes. the outer membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts are similar to those of fungal cells and the inner membranes are similar to those of eukaryotes. both mitochondria and chloroplasts are approximately the same size as fungal cells. mitochondria and chloroplasts divide in a manner similar to meiosis.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option based on the endosymbiotic theory (which posits that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from prokaryotes engulfed by eukaryotes):

1. Mitochondria and chloroplasts have two membranes, an outer membrane like that of eukaryotes and an inner membrane like that of bacterial cells.

• The outer membrane would come from the eukaryotic host’s vesicle, and the inner from the prokaryotic endosymbiont. This matches endosymbiotic theory.

1. The outer membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts are similar to those of eukaryotes and the inner membranes are similar to those of prokaryotes.

• Same logic as above: outer (eukaryotic host) and inner (prokaryotic endosymbiont) membrane similarity. Supports the theory.

1. Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular DNA and synthesize their own proteins.

• Prokaryotes have circular DNA and make their own proteins. Mitochondria/chloroplasts retaining these prokaryotic traits supports endosymbiosis.

1. Mitochondria and chloroplasts divide in a manner similar to binary fission.

• Binary fission is prokaryotic cell division. Their division method matches prokaryotes, supporting they evolved from prokaryotes.

1. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are approximately the same size as prokaryotes.

• Size similarity to prokaryotes (vs. larger eukaryotic cells) supports they were once independent prokaryotes.

Incorrect options:

• “Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own linear DNA but do not synthesize their own proteins.” → Mitochondria/chloroplasts have circular (not linear) DNA and do make their own proteins.
• “The outer membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts are similar to those of fungal cells and the inner membranes are similar to those of eukaryotes.” → Inner membranes should resemble prokaryotes, not eukaryotes.
• “Both mitochondria and chloroplasts are approximately the same size as fungal cells.” → Fungal cells are eukaryotic (larger); mitochondria/chloroplasts are prokaryote-sized.
• “Mitochondria and chloroplasts divide in a manner similar to meiosis.” → Meiosis is eukaryotic sexual division; they divide by binary fission (prokaryotic).

Answer:

• Mitochondria and chloroplasts have two membranes, an outer membrane like that of eukaryotes and an inner membrane like that of bacterial cells.
• The outer membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts are similar to those of eukaryotes and the inner membranes are similar to those of prokaryotes.
• Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular DNA and synthesize their own proteins.
• Mitochondria and chloroplasts divide in a manner similar to binary fission.
• Mitochondria and chloroplasts are approximately the same size as prokaryotes.