Which step is thought to have occurred, according to endosymbiotic theory?
A) A dependent prokaryotic cell was engulfed by an independent prokaryotic cell, allowing the dependent cell to survive within the independent host cell.
B) A dependent prokaryotic cell was engulfed by another dependent prokaryotic cell, allowing each cell to survive with the help of the other.
C) An independent prokaryotic cell was engulfed by a dependent prokaryotic cell, allowing the dependent host cell to survive with the help of the engulfed cell.
D) An independent prokaryotic cell was engulfed by another independent prokaryotic cell, after which the engulfed cell lost certain functions and became dependent on the host cell.
E) An independent prokaryotic cell was engulfed by another independent prokaryotic cell, and both continued activities independent of one another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The endosymbiotic theory suggests that an independent prokaryotic cell was engulfed by another independent prokaryotic cell. Over time, the engulfed cell lost some of its independent functions and became dependent on the host cell, leading to the evolution of complex eukaryotic cells.

Which Step Is Thought to Have Occurred, According to Endosymbiotic