Endosymbiotic hypothesis-origin of mitochondria

Question

What is endosymbiotic hypothesis concerning the origin of the mitochondria? And also write down the molecular facts which support the hypothesis. To which other cellular organelles can the hypothesis as well be applied?

Answer 1

It is acknowledged that mitochondria were primitive aerobic prokaryotes which were engulfed in mutualism through primitive anaerobic eukaryotes, getting protection from these beings and providing energy to them. This hypothesis is named as endosymbiotic hypothesis on the origin of the mitochondria.

The hypothesis is strengthened through some molecular evidence such as the truth that mitochondria enfold their own independent DNA as well as protein synthesis machinery, with their own RNA and ribosome, and that they can self-reproduce.

The endosymbiotic theory can be exerted to chloroplasts too. It is believed that these organelles were primitive photosynthetic prokaryotes since they have their own RNA, DNA and ribosomes and they can self-reproduce too.