Difference between revisions of "Endosymbiotic hypothesis"
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The '''Endosymbiotic hypothesis''' is a [[hypothesis]] used by evolutionists to explain the origin of certain cellular [[organelle]]s, specifically [[mitochondrion|mitochondria]] and [[chloroplasts]]. | The '''Endosymbiotic hypothesis''' is a [[hypothesis]] used by evolutionists to explain the origin of certain cellular [[organelle]]s, specifically [[mitochondrion|mitochondria]] and [[chloroplasts]]. | ||
Evolutionists believe that early in the course of terrestrial life, all cells were [[prokayrote]]s. | Evolutionists believe that early in the course of terrestrial life, all cells were [[prokayrote]]s. | ||
| − | It is hypothesized that at some point, [[endophagocytosis]] occurred whereby one bacteria "hijacked" the energy producing potential of another by engulfing a respiring or photosynthesizing bacteria. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the only organelles to contain their own [[DNA]] (other than the nucleus, which contains the DNA for the entire cell) and their DNA is well-conserved enough that they appear to be nearly separate organisms. DNA and [[RNA]] analyses have borne out much of this hypothesis. Further evidence supporting mitochondria and chloroplasts being endosymbionts lies in the fact that both organelles have plasma membrane bound spaces inside of their outer membranes, something no other organelle possesses. | + | It is hypothesized that at some point, [[endophagocytosis]] occurred whereby one bacteria "hijacked" the energy producing potential of another by engulfing a respiring or photosynthesizing bacteria. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the only organelles to contain their own [[DNA]] (other than the nucleus, which contains the DNA for the entire cell) and their DNA is well-conserved enough that they appear to be nearly separate organisms. DNA and [[RNA]] analyses have borne out much of this hypothesis. Further evidence supporting mitochondria and chloroplasts being endosymbionts lies in the fact that both organelles have [[plasma]] membrane bound spaces inside of their outer membranes, something no other organelle possesses. |
Alternate hypotheses are that eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells were simply [[intelligent design|design]]ed as they are. This is, of course, like the endosymbiotic hypothesis, neither [[theory|testable]] nor [[falsifiable]]. | Alternate hypotheses are that eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells were simply [[intelligent design|design]]ed as they are. This is, of course, like the endosymbiotic hypothesis, neither [[theory|testable]] nor [[falsifiable]]. | ||
[[Category:biology]] | [[Category:biology]] | ||
Revision as of 01:55, March 2, 2008
The Endosymbiotic hypothesis is a hypothesis used by evolutionists to explain the origin of certain cellular organelles, specifically mitochondria and chloroplasts. Evolutionists believe that early in the course of terrestrial life, all cells were prokayrotes. It is hypothesized that at some point, endophagocytosis occurred whereby one bacteria "hijacked" the energy producing potential of another by engulfing a respiring or photosynthesizing bacteria. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are the only organelles to contain their own DNA (other than the nucleus, which contains the DNA for the entire cell) and their DNA is well-conserved enough that they appear to be nearly separate organisms. DNA and RNA analyses have borne out much of this hypothesis. Further evidence supporting mitochondria and chloroplasts being endosymbionts lies in the fact that both organelles have plasma membrane bound spaces inside of their outer membranes, something no other organelle possesses.
Alternate hypotheses are that eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells were simply designed as they are. This is, of course, like the endosymbiotic hypothesis, neither testable nor falsifiable.