AP Biology : Understand endosymbiotic theory

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understand Endosymbiotic Theory

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA, which is similar to the DNA of

Possible Answers:

protozoa

humans

fungi

bacteria

Correct answer:

bacteria

Explanation:

Bacteria, a prokaryote, has circular DNA, as do mitochondria and chloroplasts. This provides support for the Endosymbiotic Theory, which states that the mitochondria and chloroplast in eukaryotic cells were once aerobic bacteria (prokaryote) that were ingested by a large anaerobic bacteria (prokaryote).

Example Question #1 : Understand Endosymbiotic Theory

Reproduction of chloroplasts and mitochondria occurs via

Possible Answers:

Mitosis

Meiosis

Fission-like process, similar to the reproduction process of bacteria

Fission-like process, similar to the reproduction process of eukaryotes

Correct answer:

Fission-like process, similar to the reproduction process of bacteria

Explanation:

Chloroplasts and mitochondria reproduce through fission, the same process through which bacteria reproduce. Eukaryotes reproduce through mitosis or meiosis, depending upon the type of cell.

Example Question #1 : Understand Endosymbiotic Theory

Supporting the Endosymbiotic Theory, mitochondria and chloroplasts have a _________ membrane.

Possible Answers:

thick

thin

single

double

Correct answer:

double

Explanation:

The Endosymbiotic Theory states that the mitochondria and chloroplast in eukaryotic cells were once aerobic bacteria (prokaryote) that were ingested by a large anaerobic bacteria (prokaryote). Mitochondria and chloroplasts have a double membrane (the inner membrane would have initially been the ingested prokaryote’s single membrane).

Example Question #2 : Understand Endosymbiotic Theory

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have ribosomes that are ___, similar to __ cells.

Possible Answers:

80S, prokaryotic

70S, eukaryotic

80S, eukaryotic

70 S, prokaryotic

Correct answer:

70 S, prokaryotic

Explanation:

Prokaryotic cells, mitochondria, and chloroplasts have 70S ribosomes, whereas eukaryotic cells have 80S ribosomes. This provides support for the Endosymbiotic Theory, which states that the mitochondria and chloroplast in eukaryotic cells were once aerobic bacteria (prokaryote) that were ingested by a large anaerobic bacteria (prokaryote).

Example Question #2 : Understand Endosymbiotic Theory

The Endosymbiotic Theory posits that, before being engulfed by a eukaryotic cell, they were

Possible Answers:

Free-living eukaryotes

Organelles

Free-living prokaryotes

Viruses

Correct answer:

Free-living prokaryotes

Explanation:

The Endosymbiotic Theory states that the mitochondria and chloroplast in eukaryotic cells were once aerobic bacteria (prokaryote) that were ingested by a large anaerobic bacteria (prokaryote). The aerobic bacteria were initially free-living prokaryotes, before being ingested by anaerobic bacteria.

Example Question #2 : Understand Endosymbiotic Theory

Which of the following is NOT evidence for the Endosymbiotic Theory?

Possible Answers:

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have 70S ribosomes

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have circular DNA

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have a double membrane

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have a single membrane

Correct answer:

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have a single membrane

Explanation:

The Endosymbiotic Theory states that the mitochondria and chloroplast in eukaryotic cells were once aerobic bacteria (prokaryote) that were ingested by a large anaerobic bacteria (prokaryote). This theory explains the origin of eukaryotic cells. Numerous lines of evidence exist, including that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own circular DNA (prokaryotes also have circular DNA), mitochondria and chloroplasts have a double membrane (the inner membrane would have initially been the ingested prokaryote’s single membrane, and the outer membrane initially would have come from the cell that engulfed it), mitochondria and chloroplasts have 70S ribosomes (prokaryotes 70S have ribosomes, whereas eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes).

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