Symbiogenesis
Symbiogenesis
Symbiogenesis (pronunciation: sim-bi-o-gen-e-sis) is a biological theory that posits that some organisms evolve by incorporating other organisms into their bodies and becoming a single functioning organism. The term is derived from the Greek words "sym" meaning together, "bio" meaning life, and "genesis" meaning origin or creation.
History
The concept of symbiogenesis was first proposed by Russian botanist Konstantin Mereschkowski in 1905, and later developed by American biologist Lynn Margulis in the 20th century. It is a fundamental aspect of evolutionary biology, particularly in the study of the origin of eukaryotic cells.
Process
Symbiogenesis involves the merging of two separate organisms to form a new organism. This typically occurs when one organism (the host) incorporates another organism (the symbiont) into its body. The symbiont then becomes a part of the host, often providing it with certain benefits such as increased energy production or protection from predators.
Examples
One of the most well-known examples of symbiogenesis is the origin of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. It is believed that mitochondria were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed by a primitive eukaryotic cell. Over time, the bacteria became an integral part of the cell, providing it with the ability to produce energy through cellular respiration.
Another example is the origin of chloroplasts in plant cells, which are thought to have originated from cyanobacteria that were engulfed by a primitive eukaryotic cell.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Symbiogenesis
- Wikipedia's article - Symbiogenesis
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