Endosymbiotic Theory and Organelle Origins

Steps:

• Recall the endosymbiotic theory, which proposes that certain eukaryotic organelles evolved from engulfed prokaryotic cells.
• Identify organelles with prokaryote-like traits: independent DNA, ribosomes, and reproduction.
• Compare compositions: prokaryotes have circular DNA, 70S ribosomes, and no nucleus.
• Match to mitochondria, which share these features unlike other options.

Why C is correct:

• Mitochondria contain circular DNA, 70S ribosomes, and divide independently, mirroring prokaryotic composition per endosymbiotic theory.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. Golgi bodies process and package proteins but lack DNA or independent replication.
• B. Lysosomes digest waste with hydrolytic enzymes, without prokaryote-like genetic machinery.
• D. Nucleoli assemble ribosomes within the nucleus, not as separate entities.

Final answer: C