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What is the endosymbiotic theory?

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What is the endosymbiotic theory?

What is the endosymbiotic theory?

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HugoMaster · Tutor for 5 years

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The endosymbiotic theory is the evolutionary theory that explains the origin of mitochondria and plastids (including chloroplasts), which are found in eukaryotic cells, by suggesting that these organelles originated as once independent prokaryotic cells which were engulfed by a host cell.

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## Step 1<br />The Endosymbiotic Theory is a biological theory that provides an explanation for the origin of eukaryotic cells, which are cells that contain a nucleus and other organelles such as mitochondria or plastids.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The theory postulates that these organelles were once free-living prokaryotic cells, which are cells that do not have a defined nucleus.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />According to the theory, these external cells were engulfed by a host cell.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Over a long period of evolutionary time, these engulfed cells became an integral part of the host cell's structure, forming a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. This relationship is known as endosymbiosis.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The endosymbiotic theory was notably articulated by Lynn Margulis in the late 1960s.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Understanding the endosymbiotic theory is crucial for comprehending the evolution and diversity of life on Earth.
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