Thursday, May 15, 2014

Lesson on Endosymbiosis

We are wrapping up our unit on prokaryotes and today discussed the role of cyanobacteria in the environment. Current theory is that in our evolutionary history at one time cyanobacteria entered into a symbiotic relationship with another cell which eventually resulted in the first plant cells. Molecular data supports this theory of endosymbiosis for the origin of the chloroplast, as well as, mitochondria. In both cases these cellular components each have their own DNA encoding in proteins specific to these organelles.

The lesson included watching this video clip and then proceeding to carry out the lab that is described within it. The challenge is to try to get the photo down the body tube of the microscope. Some days I'm better at it than others.
Moss leaflet showing chloroplasts within the cells

Mix of cyanobacteria and algae


No comments: