Which process is suggested for the evolution of eukaryotic cells?

The suggested process for the evolution of eukaryotic cells is best explained by the concept of serial endosymbiosis. This theory posits that eukaryotic cells originated through a series of symbiotic relationships between different species of prokaryotic organisms.

According to this theory, early eukaryotic cells formed when larger prokaryotic cells engulfed smaller prokaryotic cells, which then became integral functional units within the host cells. Over time, these engulfed cells evolved into organelles—such as mitochondria and chloroplasts—that performed essential functions for the eukaryotic cells.

The idea of serial endosymbiosis enhances our understanding of how complex cellular structures and functions developed in eukaryotes, emphasizing the role of cooperation and interaction among previously independent organisms. This contrasts with other options, where gene mutation typically refers to changes within a single organism’s DNA without the influence of other organisms, and cellular differentiation involves specialization of cells, which occurs after a cell has already formed. Endosymbiotic theory establishes a foundational model for the origin of eukaryotes and illustrates the significance of symbiotic relationships throughout evolutionary history.