Origins of Cell Compartmentalization

AP Biology· difficulty 4/5

Mitochondria contain their own circular DNA, divide by binary fission, are surrounded by a double membrane, and have ribosomes more like bacterial than eukaryotic ribosomes. These observations were used to propose the endosymbiotic theory.

Which observation provides the STRONGEST support for the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria?

A
$Mitochondria are smaller than the nucleus$
B
$Mitochondria contain their own circular DNA distinct from nuclear DNA$
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C
$Mitochondria contain proteins encoded by nuclear DNA$
D
$Mitochondria can be removed by centrifugation$

Explanation

Possessing their own circular bacterial-style genome and ribosomes that resemble those of bacteria most directly supports a free-living bacterial ancestry.

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