Question

what is one piece of evidence that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once standalone prokaryotes? they both have their own genetic material (dna). they both use photosynthesis to produce energy. they are bigger than most prokaryotic cells.

Explanation:

• For the option "They both have their own genetic material (DNA)": Prokaryotes have their own circular DNA, and the fact that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA (similar to prokaryotic DNA in structure, like being circular) supports the endosymbiotic theory that they were once independent prokaryotes.
• For "They both use photosynthesis to produce energy": Mitochondria do not perform photosynthesis (they are involved in cellular respiration), so this is incorrect.
• For "They are bigger than most prokaryotic cells": Mitochondria and chloroplasts are generally smaller than many prokaryotic cells, so this is also incorrect.

Answer:

A. They both have their own genetic material (DNA).