How Have Eukaryotic Cells Evolved Over Time?
All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, and like any living organism, cells are made up of smaller structures that help them function. In the context of cells, these smaller structures are referred to as organelles and each organelle has its own unique function that has developed over time. While we are typically aware of how these organelles function, how they evolved raises several questions. The main model for how eukaryotic cells evolved over time is the endosymbiont theory. This theory proposes that the organelles distinguishing eukaryote cells, evolved through symbiosis of single-celled prokaryotes. Several organelles that are in present day eukaryotic cells are thought to have been incorporated by this process. In particular,
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The glycosome plays an important role in the metabolic functions of these organisms, specifically in the first six steps of glycolysis. During glycolysis the glycosomes main function is to serve as a host for glycolytic enzymes, which go on to break down fatty acids. While no ATP is generated by the glycosome it is still crucial for these organisms, as the glycosome is responsible for initiating glycolysis. Aside from glycolysis, glycosomes are involved in purine salvage. This process is particularly important to these organisms because they are incapable of producing purine on their own. Due to purine being a crucial molecule for living organisms, these organisms would likely not survive without the purine that the glycosomes retrieve. The structure of glycosomes is made up of glycogen and proteins. Glycosomes typically have a round shape and vary in overall size depending on what cell they are in. They possess a single membrane, which is a lipid bilayer and are attached to different organelles depending on the cell. They have been found organelles such as mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus. Researchers have suggested that the difference in positioning is potentially attributed to the functionality needed by the glycosome for different
The glycosome plays an important role in the metabolic functions of these organisms, specifically in the first six steps of glycolysis. During glycolysis the glycosomes main function is to serve as a host for glycolytic enzymes, which go on to break down fatty acids. While no ATP is generated by the glycosome it is still crucial for these organisms, as the glycosome is responsible for initiating glycolysis. Aside from glycolysis, glycosomes are involved in purine salvage. This process is particularly important to these organisms because they are incapable of producing purine on their own. Due to purine being a crucial molecule for living organisms, these organisms would likely not survive without the purine that the glycosomes retrieve. The structure of glycosomes is made up of glycogen and proteins. Glycosomes typically have a round shape and vary in overall size depending on what cell they are in. They possess a single membrane, which is a lipid bilayer and are attached to different organelles depending on the cell. They have been found organelles such as mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus. Researchers have suggested that the difference in positioning is potentially attributed to the functionality needed by the glycosome for different