"Study upends current theories of how mitochondria began"

Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141016165955.htm
Source: University of Virginia
Date Published: October 16, 2014

      Mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouse” organelles, are vital to the survival of nearly all eukaryotic cells, found in both plants and animals. They turn the energy from the food we eat into ATP (adenosine triphosphate,) a molecule used to perform cellular functions. Little is known about the exact details of how these organelles originated and how they evolved to where they are today. The most common theory is endosymbiotic theory. This says that around 1.5 billion years ago, bacteria were ingested by prokaryotic cells, creating a symbiotic relationship where both individuals benefited. The bacteria got protection and the cell gained ATP energy. As time went on, the bacteria and cell became increasingly dependent upon one another, eventually evolving into the mitochondria and eukaryotic cells of today.

      A recent study from the University of Virginia suggests that the first relationships between the mitochondrial bacteria and its host cell were likely parasitic, instead of mutualistic as many people currently believe. From analyzing the DNA of mitochondrial relatives, scientists predict that early bacteria probably stole ATP energy from the cell at first, only becoming useful to its host much later on“by switching the direction of the ATP transport” (Science Daily).

      

     This article relates to our curriculum because we are currently learning about the functions and roles that each organelle plays in the cell. For example, mitochondria turn the stored energy from the food we eat into ATP energy. Furthermore, it ties into our studies of the differences between a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell, and how scientists are able to study and form theories about how life evolves.