[Campbell Biology P.159] Which of the following observations provide evidence for the autono... | Practice Question

Which of the following observations provide evidence for the autonomous nature and probable evolutionary origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts as cells, consistent with the endosymbiont theory? Select all that apply

  • A: They grow and reproduce within the cell.
  • B: They contain circular DNA molecules similar to bacterial chromosomes.
  • C: They possess ribosomes for synthesizing some of their own proteins.
  • D: They have an outer membrane that is highly convoluted with infoldings called cristae.
  • E: They lack any internal membrane systems, simplifying their structure for efficient energy conversion.

Explanation

The text lists three points consistent with their probable evolutionary origins as cells and their autonomous nature: 'like prokaryotes, mitochondria and chloroplasts contain ribosomes, as well as circular DNA molecules—like bacterial chromosomes' and 'mitochondria and chloroplasts are autonomous somewhat independent organelles that grow and reproduce within the cell.'