Endosymbiosis
A symbiotic relationship where one organism lives inside the cells of another. The theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living bacteria that were engulfed by ancestral cells.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 2 chapters:
"...ships that business calls "partnerships" are actually commensalism or parasitism. True mutualism is rare, valuable, and requires careful design. Endosymbiosis: When Symbionts Become One Organism The most extreme form of symbiosis is endosymbiosis - when one organism lives inside another, and the relationsh..."
"...ontal transfer borrows. - Symbiosis → Partnerships: Mutualism benefits both parties. Commensalism is one-sided but harmless. Parasitism extracts. Endosymbiosis integrates. - Natural selection → Adaptation: Variation exists. Heritability propagates success. Differential survival determines fitness."
Biological Context
Endosymbiotic theory explains the origin of eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria retain their own DNA, divide independently, and have bacterial-like ribosomes—evidence of their bacterial ancestry. This ancient partnership enabled the evolution of complex multicellular life by providing efficient energy production.
Business Application
Business endosymbiosis: when one company becomes so deeply integrated into another's operations that they function as one system—critical suppliers, embedded software, essential service providers.