Source: TH
Context: The article talks about how more complex organisms called eukaryotes evolved from simpler organisms called prokaryotes.
The Evolution:
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.
Main differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes:
| Prokaryotes | Eukaryotes | |
| Nucleus | Absent | Present |
| DNA | Circular | Linear |
| Membrane-bound organelles | Absent | Present (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts) |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Reproduction | Asexual (mostly) | Sexual and asexual |
| Examples | Bacteria and Archaea | Plants, animals, fungi, protists |
