Under the endosymbiotic theory, organelles are the result of endosymbiosis between “prokaryotic endosymbionts and eukaryotic host cells” (“Endosymbiotic theory,” n.d., para. 1). With this process, the endosymbiont lives within the host organism, and when applied to the understanding of cells, this theory explains how organelles exist within the eukaryotic cells. This is one of the evolutionary theories that is commonly accepted today. Although this theory offers a valid explanation of the potential cell evolution, there are experiments that undermine it. For example, the Miller-Urey experiment is based on the idea of the chemical synthesis of the cell structures (“Endosymbiotic theory,” n.d.). The synthesis occurs between gases and water, which results in the formation of amino acids; this is the abiogenesis theory. Additionally, the theory of prebiotic soup implies that in the beginning, the atmosphere on Earth was hostile, and eventually, the chemically reducing atmosphere allowed the production of organic compounds. Then, these compounds developed into complex polymers and then into simple life forms (“Endosymbiotic theory,” n.d.).
Hence, the endosymbiotic theory is plausible, but there are other theories that trace the development of cells and life on Earth as well. Still, there is strong evidence that shows that this theory is plausible, such as the mitochondria’s and plastid’s ability to reproduce in a process similar to binary fission (“Endosymbiotic theory,” n.d.). This process is a way of reproduction when a parent cell divides into several, and these cells can develop to the size of their parent cells. Next, the circular DNA of mitochondria and plastids is similar to that of bacteria, but it differs from the cells’ nucleus (“Endosymbiotic theory,” n.d.). Finally, poring’s in mitochondria resemble those of the bacteria’s cell membrane. Overall, this theory is plausible, although there are other explanations that highlight other ways of the cells’ development.
Reference
Endosymbiotic theory.(n.d.). Web.