Complex eukaryotic cells may have evolved from simpler prokaryotic cel...
Complex eukaryotic cells evolved as efficient pathways of aerobic metabolism developed. The efficiency was with respect to energy utilization so that a limited amount of energy can be used for increasingly large number of tasks of body of complex multicellular eukaryotic life.
View all questions of this test
Complex eukaryotic cells may have evolved from simpler prokaryotic cel...
Efficiency of energy utilization
Complex eukaryotic cells may have evolved from simpler prokaryotic cells primarily because of the increased efficiency of energy utilization. Here's how this process likely occurred:
Endosymbiotic theory:
- One of the prevailing theories is the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells through a symbiotic relationship.
- According to this theory, a prokaryotic cell engulfed another prokaryotic cell, forming a symbiotic relationship where the engulfed cell eventually evolved into organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts.
- These organelles are crucial for energy production in eukaryotic cells, allowing for more efficient energy utilization compared to prokaryotic cells.
Increased complexity:
- The evolution of organelles within eukaryotic cells led to increased complexity in cellular organization.
- Organelles like mitochondria enable eukaryotic cells to carry out aerobic respiration, producing more ATP (energy) compared to anaerobic respiration in prokaryotic cells.
- This increased energy production allows eukaryotic cells to perform more complex functions and activities, leading to their increased complexity of organization.
Advantages of energy efficiency:
- With more efficient energy utilization, eukaryotic cells can support larger and more complex cellular structures.
- This energy efficiency also allows eukaryotic cells to adapt to diverse environments and perform a wider range of functions compared to prokaryotic cells.
- Overall, the evolution of eukaryotic cells from simpler prokaryotic cells due to increased energy utilization has provided significant advantages in terms of cellular complexity and functionality.