Citation
The Origin of Mitochondria
TL;DR
Mitochondria retain bacterial-type ribosomes
This educational resource explains evidence for mitochondrial endosymbiosis: mitochondria retain bacterial-type ribosomes, circular DNA, and double membranes - all evidence of their bacterial ancestry. The merger enabled aerobic respiration, dramatically increasing cellular energy production.
For business application, this illustrates that deep integration (endosymbiosis) creates capabilities neither party could develop independently. The 10x energy increase from aerobic respiration mirrors the compounding value that true integration can create - but also the irreversibility it entails.
Key Findings from Education (2014)
- Mitochondria retain bacterial-type ribosomes
- Circular DNA evidence of bacterial ancestry
- Double membranes consistent with engulfment
- Aerobic respiration dramatically increased energy