According to the endosymbiont hypothesis, eukaryotic cells evolved after and as a consequence of ____.
A) the cyclic pathway of photosynthesis
B) anaerobic respiration
C) cell division
D) mutual dependency
E) chemosynthesis

Question

According to the endosymbiont hypothesis, eukaryotic cells evolved after and as a consequence of ____.
A) ​the cyclic pathway of photosynthesis
B) ​anaerobic respiration
C) ​cell division
D) ​mutual dependency
E) ​chemosynthesis

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The endosymbiont hypothesis proposes that eukaryotic cells arose as a result of mutual dependency, specifically the incorporation of smaller prokaryotic cells into larger ancestral host cells. This resulted in a symbiotic relationship in which the smaller cell provided certain metabolic capabilities (such as photosynthesis or aerobic respiration) that were beneficial to the host cell, while the host cell provided protection and nutrients. Over time, this symbiosis evolved into the complex eukaryotic cells we see today. Therefore, choice D, mutual dependency, best fits the explanation.

According to the Endosymbiont Hypothesis, Eukaryotic Cells Evolved After and as a Consequence