Q2ITD - Campbell Biology

Question

Why did the researchers choose one plant mitochondrion and five

bacterial species to include in the comparison matrix?

 

	Wheat mitochondrion	A. tumefaciens	C. testosteroni	E. coli	M. capricolum	A. nidulans
Wheat mitochondrion	-	48	38	35	34	34
A. tumefacians		-	55	57	52	53
C. testosterone			-	61	52	52
E. coli				-	48	52
M. capricolum					-	50
A. nidulans						-

 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Researchers compared different bacterial species with each other. He chose one plant mitochondrion and different bacterial species in his research. The researcher chose only one plant mitochondrion because only a single mitochondrial source was needed to represent all types of mitochondria.

 

The different bacterial species allow the researcher to choose which species are most closely related to mitochondrial ancestors. It allows the researcher to research more effectively. 

Step 1 Comparison matrix

A comparison matrix is a diagram in the form of a table that is used to visualize similarities and differences between different species. It helps to organize and classify organisms while comparing them. 

Step 2 Mitochondria

Mitochondria is the organelle present in the eukaryotic cell. The outer and inner cell envelope protects it. It helps generate energy in the cell in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). 

Step 3: Importance of choosing one plant mitochondrion and different bacterial species

 

There are different bacterial species, such as A. tumefaciens and E. coli, to represent different bacterial species, but a single mitochondrion can represent all types of mitochondria. That is why the researcher chose a single mitochondrion.