Mereschkowski

Definition

Konstantin Mereschkowski was a Russian biologist who proposed the theory of symbiogenesis. This theory suggests that certain organelles in eukaryotic cells originated from symbiotic relationships between separate single-celled organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mereschkowski is best known for his theory of symbiogenesis, which was a precursor to modern endosymbiotic theory.
2. He proposed that chloroplasts in plant cells originated from cyanobacteria through a symbiotic relationship.
3. Mereschkowski's ideas were initially controversial but gained support with advancements in molecular biology and genetics.
4. His work laid the foundation for our understanding of the origin of eukaryotic cells and their complex organelles.
5. Mereschkowski's theories have been crucial in explaining the evolutionary transitions from prokaryotes to eukaryotes.

Review Questions

• What major biological theory is Konstantin Mereschkowski known for?
• How did Mereschkowski propose chloroplasts originated?
• Why were Mereschkowski's ideas initially controversial?

Related terms

Endosymbiotic Theory: The modern theory that explains how eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic organisms through endosymbiosis.

Chloroplast: An organelle found in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, thought to have originated from cyanobacteria.

Symbiosis: A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species.