2006-11-27 12:31:01 · 3 answers · asked by billybobjr. 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Actually, there is a lot of evidence that mitochondria may have originated as independent microbes, which somehow became incorporated into animal cells. Mitochondria contain their own DNA. Some rare genetic disorders stem from problems within the mitochondrial DNA rather than the DNA in the cell nucleus. Incidentally, all of your mitrochondrial DNA is inherited from your mother.
2006-11-27 12:36:31 · answer #1 · answered by Amuse Bouche 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
but weren't they originnally individual cells of their own just engulfed by a bigger cell? they have their own DNA and can self-replicate, but if you take them out of a cell, can they survive without the cell?
2006-11-27 12:38:35 · answer #2 · answered by ♪寿司人♫ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are organelles that contribute the well-being of the cell. the cell is alive, its components arent. just research it.
2006-11-27 12:33:10 · answer #3 · answered by tmlfan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋