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How are mitochondria replicated?
Started by Deepa100
what you should be familiar with is the theory that mitochondria were phagocytosed by some eukaryote a long time ago. This is more or less referred to as the endosymbiont theory.
what is key to understand is that mitochondria were considered to be a separate prokaryote that was swallowed by a eukaryote. Thus it retained many of its prokaryotic characteristics such as dividing by transverse binary fission. It did this by virtue of having its own circular DNA called a plasmid.
what is key to understand is that mitochondria were considered to be a separate prokaryote that was swallowed by a eukaryote. Thus it retained many of its prokaryotic characteristics such as dividing by transverse binary fission. It did this by virtue of having its own circular DNA called a plasmid.
Sorry about the...vague response.
Anyways. Think of Mitochondria EXACTLY as you think of Bacteria. They both have so many similar characteristics that it's a safe bet to use this thinking for the MCAT. They both use binary fission for division. The MCAT will not test you on any discrete/advanced concepts of Mitochondria beyond this and knowing about energy production.
Just remember that Mitochondria - binary fission. Endosymbiosis. Dinitrophenol <--kidding.
Anyways. Think of Mitochondria EXACTLY as you think of Bacteria. They both have so many similar characteristics that it's a safe bet to use this thinking for the MCAT. They both use binary fission for division. The MCAT will not test you on any discrete/advanced concepts of Mitochondria beyond this and knowing about energy production.
Just remember that Mitochondria - binary fission. Endosymbiosis. Dinitrophenol <--kidding.
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Mitochondria replicate by binary fission. That is why they are thought to have arrived from prokaryotes.
