BIOL 1122 DISCUSSION UNIT 3

Endosymbiosis is a theory that describes how prokaryotic organisms evolved into eukaryotic

cells. Thanks to the work of biologist Lynn Margulus in the 1960s, this hypothesis advanced

significantly (Fossil Museum, n.d.). One prokaryotic cell engulfs another, with the engulfed

cell survives the process. The engulfed cell uses the other as a host, according to this theory.

From the ecological standpoint, it is an agreement that benefits all cells. Over time, the two

species can become so intertwined that neither can survive without the other (OpenStax

College, 2013).

The endosymbiotic theory of evolution is often supported by the genetic materials present in

eukaryotic cells. Many of our nuclear genes, as well as the molecular machinery that controls

replication and expression, are similar to those found in Archaea. Also, the theory suggests

that eukaryotic cells evolved from the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondrion which were

initially prokaryotic cells. Evidence of this is seen in our genetic machinery (that controls

replication and expression) being similar to those found in Archaea. Meanwhile, many of the

metabolic organelles and genes involved in energy harvesting processes originated in bacteria

(OpenStax College, 2013). Further evidence of the endosymbiotic theory lies in the separate

genetic machinery of the mitochondria, the presence of Amoeba; a eukaryotic cell that lacks

mitochondria and is thus involved in a symbiotic relationship with aerobic bacteria.

Mitochondrial endosymbiosis is the product of endosymbiosis (Fossil Museum, n.d.).

On the other hand, Libretext (2020) proposes an autogenous theory in which prokaryotic cells

lacked the genetic area of concentration that is the nucleus but possessed mitochondria, and

later added a nucleus via gene fusion. Some scientists believe that the opposite of

endosymbiosis is valid, in which eukaryotes evolved first and then became simpler, resulting

in prokaryotes.
The most likely explanation, in my opinion, is the endosymbiotic theory. Even though more

evidence is required, biologists generally accept this theory as a very plausible scenario for

the evolution of eukaryotes from prokaryotes based on molecular evidence.

REFERENCE

OpenStax College. (2013). Biology. from Rice University. Retrieved from

https://my.uopeople.edu/pluginfile.php/922138/mod_page/content/5/BioTextbookCh2129.pdf

on the 23rd April, 2021.

Fossil Museum. (n.d.). Endosymbiosis - The Appearance of the Eukaryotes. Retrieved from

http://www.fossilmuseum.net/Evolution/Endosymbiosis.htm. on the 23rd April, 2021.

Libretexts. (2020). Endosymbiotic Theory and the Evolution of Eukaryotes.

General Biology. Retrieved on the 29 th April 2021 at 3:17am from

https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Book

%3A_General_Biology_(Boundless)/20%3A_Phylogenies_and_the_History_of_Life/

20.3%3A_Perspectives_on_the_Phylogenetic_Tree/20.3C

%3A_Endosymbiotic_Theory_and_the_Evolution_of_Eukaryotes.