according to the endosymbiotic theory, large prokaryotic cells may have engulfed smaller prokaryotic cells over 1.5 billion years ago. if the smaller cells survived, the larger cells may have eventually evolved into eukaryotic cells. how would you describe the relationship between the original prokaryotic cells?

Question

Biology

Kaylee

1 December, 09:17

according to the endosymbiotic theory, large prokaryotic cells may have engulfed smaller prokaryotic cells over 1.5 billion years ago. if the smaller cells survived, the larger cells may have eventually evolved into eukaryotic cells. how would you describe the relationship between the original prokaryotic cells?

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Answers (1)

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Hailie Klein · Answer 1

A predatory or parasitic relationship

Explanation:

According to the endosymbiotic theory, the larger prokaryotic cell may have been predating on the smaller prokaryotic cell, before a mutual relationship developed later on. Another hypothesis is that it was probably a parasitic relationship. Over time, the phagocytosed cell survived inside the larger cell and a symbiotic relationship developed over time because it provided an evolutionary advantage.