Chapter 14, Problem 32A

Summary Introduction

To explain:

How a biochemist studying DNA sequence can provide the evidence for the endosymbiont theory.

Introduction:

Endosymbiotic theory states that some of the organelles in the eukaryotes were the prokaryotic microbes in early evolutionary stages.

Explanation of Solution

Mitochondria and aerobic bacteria both share similar characteristic feature as they both use oxygen in the production of ATP and both uses this by using Kreb’s cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

Similarly chloroplasts and photosynthetic bacteria are similar in function as they both have chlorophyll pigment which harness light energy and convert it into chemical energy.

Size of mitochondria and chloroplasts are similar with that of bacteria. And as the bacteria have their own DNA, RNA, and ribosomes; similarly mitochondria and chloroplasts also have their own genetic material and ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Conclusion

This concludes that by studying and analyzing the DNA sequences of the prokaryotes, with that of chloroplasts and mitochondria, would lead the biochemist to draw the conclusion that there exhibit the evolutionary relationship among them.