Now that you have learned about Cell Theory and Endosymbiotic Theory, think about how those two theories intertwine. Write a claim as to why you think (or don’t think) prokaryotic cells evolved into eukaryotic cells with organelles and eventually, into mu

Claim: Prokaryotic cells evolved into eukaryotic cells with organelles, and ultimately into multicellular organisms, as evidenced by the principles of Cell Theory and the Endosymbiotic Theory. **Evidence from Cell Theory:** Cell Theory states that all living organisms are composed of cells, which serve as the basic unit of life. This foundational principle implies that the complexity of life increases with the emergence of different cell types. Prokaryotic cells, which are simpler and lack membrane-bound organelles, serve as the building blocks of life. The transition from prokaryotic to eukaryotic cells represents a significant increase in biological complexity. Eukaryotic cells are characterized by a compartmentalization of functions through organelles, enabling more efficient biochemical processes. This aligns with Cell Theory, as it supports the idea that cells can evolve, diversify, and become more specialized over time, adapting to different environmental challenges and leading to the emergence of complex multicellular organisms. **Evidence from Endosymbiotic Theory:** Endosymbiotic Theory posits that certain organelles within eukaryotic cells, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living prokaryotic organisms that entered into a symbiotic relationship with ancestral eukaryotic cells. This theory is supported by several lines of evidence: mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own circular DNA similar to that of bacteria, reproduce independently through a process akin to bacterial fission, and possess double membranes consistent with the engulfing mechanism described in the endosymbiotic hypothesis. This demonstrates a clear evolutionary link between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, indicating that complex cellular structures evolved through symbiotic relationships among simpler life forms. **Conclusion:** Together, the tenets of Cell Theory and Endosymbiotic Theory illustrate the pathway from simple prokaryotic cells to complex eukaryotic cells with organelles, setting the stage for the evolution of multicellular organisms. The increasing complexity and specialization of cells allowed for the development of tissues and organ systems, ultimately resulting in the diversity of life forms we see today. The interplay between these theories provides a framework through which we can understand the evolutionary processes that have shaped life on Earth.