Endosymbiotic theory explains...

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Question: Endosymbiotic theory explains...

Option a: how cell walls and cell membranes evolved. This is not the central claim of the endosymbiotic theory. Cell walls and membranes involve abiotic components and structural elements of cells, not the origin of organelles through symbiotic events. Therefore this option misattributes the theory to a broader or unrelated aspect of cellular structure.

Option b: how organelles in prokaryotic cells evolved. Endosymbiotic theory specifically addresses the origin of certain organelles within eukaryotic cells (such as mitochondria and chloroplasts) and how they came to reside inside eukaryotic hosts. Prokaryotic cells themselves do not possess eukaryotic organelles, so this statement is inaccurate.

Option c: how organelles in eukaryotic cells evolved. This aligns with the core idea of the endosymbiotic theory: eukaryotic organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living prokaryotes that entered into a symbiotic relationship with a host cell, subsequently becoming integral organelles. The evidence includes double membranes, own circular DNA, and ribosomes similar to bacteria.

Option d: No choice here. Freebie. Do not select this answer choice. ; P. This is a trap option designed to test attention to instructions rather than content. It contains extraneous text and explicitly instructs to avoid selecting it, which makes it an incorrect and irrelevant choice for the content question.

Option e: how prokaryotic cells evolved. This would describe the evolution of prokaryotes themselves, not the origin of eukaryotic organelles within eukaryotic cells. It does not reflect the specific endosymbiotic mechanism proposed for organelle origin.

In summary, each incorrect option either misstates the scope of endosymbiotic theory (focusing on cell walls/membranes, prokaryotes, or general prokaryotic evolution) or introduces a distractor that does not address the origin of eukaryotic organelles. The correct scientific idea is that endosymbiotic theory explains how organelles in eukaryotic cells evolved through symbiotic relationships with engulfed prokaryotes, leading to the organelles found in modern eukaryotes.

BIO 181 (001&002) FALL 2025 FA25: Exam 3: Phylogeny & Biodiversity (Breathe in, breath out)

Endosymbiotic theory explains...

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