Question

1 multiple choice 10 points in a biology class, a student is creating a model of a eukaryotic cell. the student decides to add a small, rod - shaped structure to the cell that has its own circular dna, a double membrane, and ribosomes that are smaller than those found in the host cells cytoplasm. the student correctly labels this structure as a mitochondrion. based on this model and your knowledge of the endosymbiotic theory, which of the following is the most accurate statement about the origin of the mitochondrion? the mitochondrion formed independently as a new organelle and has no evolutionary relationship to other cell types. the mitochondrion evolved from a prokaryotic cell that was engulfed by an ancestral host cell and formed a mutually beneficial relationship. the mitochondrion developed as a result of a mutation in the host cells cytoplasm that led to the formation of a new organelle. the mitochondrion originated from the host cells nucleus, which was modified to specialize in cellular respiration. clear my selection

Explanation:

The endosymbiotic theory posits that mitochondria (and chloroplasts) originated from prokaryotic cells that were engulfed by an ancestral host cell. These prokaryotes then formed a symbiotic relationship with the host cell, eventually becoming organelles. Mitochondria have their own circular DNA, double - membrane, and smaller ribosomes similar to prokaryotes, which supports this theory.

Answer:

The mitochondrion evolved from a prokaryotic cell that was engulfed by an ancestral host cell and formed a mutually beneficial relationship.