cellular symbiosis

Cellular symbiosis is a theory that explains how complex cells, like those in plants and animals, may have evolved through the merging of simpler cells. This concept suggests that certain organelles, like mitochondria in animal cells and chloroplasts in plant cells, originally existed as independent bacteria. Over time, they entered larger cells and formed a mutually beneficial relationship, where the larger cells provided protection and nutrients while the smaller ones generated energy through processes like respiration and photosynthesis. This cooperation enabled the development of more complex life forms, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living organisms.