How to Write an Essay on the Endosymbiotic Theory?

[vicki]

essay sucks...
i got an essay title which is endosymbiotic theory--the modern, or organelle-containing eukaryotic cell evolved in steps through the stable incorporation of chemo-organotrophic and phototrophic symbionts from the domain bacteria.
where should i start? i need to give evidence to support this theory, can anyone give me a clue? thanx
thanx

 

[iansmith]

A search on pubmed can give you some article to start with http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=search&term=endosymbiotic+theory

A review on endosymbiotic theory
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=11104819

These are abstract.
http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146%2Fannurev.genet.33.1.351
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1292670
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=822529

Wikipedia can also get you started
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endosymbiotic_theory

 

[ravenprp]

First of all, I want to say that it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed or frustrated when tasked with writing an essay, especially on a complex topic like the endosymbiotic theory. However, instead of focusing on the negatives, let's try to approach this with a positive mindset and see if we can make this essay a success!

To begin, let's break down the essay title and make sure we understand what it's asking us to do. The endosymbiotic theory proposes that eukaryotic cells (cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles) evolved through a series of symbiotic relationships with bacteria. This means that certain bacteria were taken in by early eukaryotic cells and eventually became permanent residents, forming the organelles we know today.

Now, in terms of where to start, I would suggest doing some research on the endosymbiotic theory itself. Look for reputable sources such as scientific journals, textbooks, and articles from reliable websites. This will give you a good understanding of the theory and its supporting evidence. Make sure to take notes and organize your findings in a way that makes sense to you.

Next, you can start by discussing the origin of eukaryotic cells and how they differ from prokaryotic cells (cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles). This will provide a foundation for understanding why the endosymbiotic theory is important in explaining the evolution of eukaryotic cells.

Then, you can move on to discussing the evidence for the endosymbiotic theory. This may include examples of symbiotic relationships in nature, such as the relationship between corals and algae, which supports the idea that two organisms can form a stable partnership. You can also discuss the similarities between organelles and bacteria, such as the presence of DNA and ribosomes, which suggest a shared evolutionary history.

Additionally, you can touch on the contributions of scientists such as Lynn Margulis and their research on the endosymbiotic theory. This will add credibility to your essay and show that this theory has been extensively studied and supported by evidence.

Finally, don't forget to include your own thoughts and analysis on the endosymbiotic theory. Can you think of any potential criticisms or limitations of this theory? How does it fit into our current understanding of evolution? These are just some ideas to get you started, but make sure to use your own critical thinking skills to make your essay unique and insightful.

In conclusion