Atp synthase enzymes are found in the prokaryotic plasma membrane and in the inner membrane of a mitochondrian. What does this suggest about the evolutionary relationship of this eukaryotic organelle to prokaryotes?
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The presence of ATP synthase enzymes in both the prokaryotic plasma membrane and the inner membrane of mitochondria suggests a strong evolutionary relationship between prokaryotes and mitochondria.
To understand this relationship, we need to consider the endosymbiotic theory. According to this theory, mitochondria were once free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by another prokaryotic cell. Rather than being digested, the engulfed prokaryote formed a symbiotic relationship with its host by providing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.
Over time, the host and the engulfed prokaryote became mutually dependent on each other, resulting in the evolution of a eukaryotic cell with a mitochondrion. The host cell provided protection and other resources to the mitochondrion, while the mitochondrion supplied energy in the form of ATP. This symbiotic relationship eventually led to the formation of eukaryotic organisms.
The presence of ATP synthase enzymes in both prokaryotic cells and mitochondria further supports the endosymbiotic theory. It suggests that the mitochondrion, which evolved from the engulfed prokaryote, retained its ATP synthase machinery, which is an essential component of cellular respiration and ATP production.
By examining shared features, such as the presence of ATP synthase enzymes, we can draw conclusions about the evolutionary relationship between different organisms and better understand the origins of complex cellular structures in eukaryotes, like the mitochondria.