2003•Encyclopedia of Life SciencesRequires access
Mitochondria: Origin
Peter E. Thorsness, Theodor Hanekamp
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Abstract
Abstract Mitochondria are double‐membrane cellular organelles containing their own genetic system and are found in nearly every eukaryotic cell. The endosymbiotic hypothesis postulates that a proto‐mitochondrion, an ancestor of present‐day bacteria, colonized a eukaryotic cell and established a symbiotic relationship to the mutual benefit of both organisms.