Endosymbiosis Theory Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing key vocabulary and concepts related to the endosymbiosis theory.

Endosymbiosis

A kind of internal symbiosis where one organism takes up permanent residence inside another and eventually evolves into a single lineage.

Symbiosis

Teamwork between different organisms; The three types are mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus and other complex organelles; Believed to have evolved through endosymbiosis.

Prokaryotes

Simple cells without a nucleus, like bacteria and archaea; Believed to be the ancestors of eukaryotic organelles.

Mitochondria

Organelles within eukaryotic cells responsible for producing chemical energy; Believed to have originated from free-living aerobic bacteria.

Chloroplasts

Organelles within plant cells responsible for photosynthesis; Believed to have originated from photosynthetic blue-green bacteria.

Binary Fission

The method of reproduction used by bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts where the cell pinches in half.

Lynn Margulis

Biologist who first proposed and championed the endosymbiosis theory.

Kwang Jeon

Scientist who observed amoebae becoming infected with x-bacteria and evolving to depend on them, providing evidence for endosymbiosis.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to pass on their genes, driving evolution and favoring cooperation in endosymbiosis.