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Word of the Day Wednesday, June 10, 2026

endosymbiosis

/ɛndoʊsɪmˈbaɪəsɪs/ noun · British & US
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What does endosymbiosis mean?

noun

The theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells originated from endosymbiotic bacteria. This theory proposes that these organelles were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed by the cells and eventually evolved into organelles.

Example

"The discovery of endosymbiosis revolutionized our understanding of cellular evolution and the origins of eukaryotic cells."

Definition generated by AI and curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Synonyms for endosymbiosis

Rhymes with endosymbiosis

Etymologically related