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Comparative Study
. 1977 Nov 25;10(2):93-6.
doi: 10.1007/BF01751802.

Endosymbionts and mitochondrial origins

C R Woese
Comparative Study

Endosymbionts and mitochondrial origins

C R Woese. J Mol Evol. .

Abstract

The possibility is put forth that the mitochondrion did not originate from an endosymbiosis, 1-2 billion years ago, involving an aerobic bacterium. Rather, it arose by endosymbiosis in a much early, anaerobic period, and was initially a photosynthetic organelle, analogous to the modern chloroplast. This suggestion arises from a reconsideration of the nature of endosymbiosis. It explains the remarkable diversity in mitochondrial information storage and processing systems.

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References

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