Origins of Compartmentalization

Comparison of C.O. in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Both cell types have a plasma membrane
• Prokaryotes have an internal region- the nucleoid region
  • Contains its genetic material
• Eukaryotic cells have additional internal membranes and membrane-bound cells
  • Compartamentalizes the cell

Theory of Endosymbiosis

• A previous free-living prokaryote was engulfed by another through endocytosis
• Through living symbiotically
  • The prokaryotes lost their independent functionality and became the mitochondria
• Evidence supporting endosymbiosis
  • Presence of double membrane
  • Circular DNA in the mitochondria
  • Ribosomes in both organelles