According to the endosymbiotic theory, which cellular process was involved in the evolution of mitochondria and chloroplasts? symbiosis phagocytosis endosymbiosis photosynthesis

## Step 1<br />The endosymbiotic theory is a scientific theory that explains the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells. According to this theory, these organelles were once free-living prokaryotic organisms that were engulfed by a larger cell.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The term "endosymbiosis" is derived from the Greek words "endon", meaning "within", and "symbiosis", meaning "living together". This term is used to describe a situation where one organism lives inside another organism.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />In the context of the endosymbiotic theory, the larger cell did not digest the engulfed prokaryotic organisms. Instead, these prokaryotic organisms began to live within the larger cell, forming a symbiotic relationship.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Over time, the engulfed prokaryotic organisms evolved into mitochondria and chloroplasts, which are essential for cellular respiration and photosynthesis, respectively.