Important for
Prelims: Science & Technology
Mains: General Studies III
Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
- Long ago, there were simple organisms called prokaryotes. They were single-celled and didn’t have a nucleus.
- But over time, some of these organisms evolved to have mitochondria and DNA packaged into a nucleus.
- The mitochondria, which produce energy in eukaryotic cells, and chloroplasts in plant cells, originally came from free-living bacteria.
- This happened when an ancient Archaea organism engulfed a bacterium, and over time, they formed a mutually beneficial relationship.
- This event eventually led to the development of animals, fungi, and plants.
- This evolution from prokaryotes to eukaryotes happened gradually and involved various changes in their structure and functions.
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Practice Questions for Prelims
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells generally have which features in common?
a) A membrane bound nucleus
b) A cell wall made of cellulose
c) Ribosomes
d) Linear chromosomes made of DNA & Protein
Ans. c)
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