Definition

A situation where one organism lives inside the body or cells of another organism, forming a close relationship that benefits both.

Example

The theory of endosymbiosis explains how certain organelles in cells, like mitochondria, originated from free-living bacteria.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about endosymbiosis?

Yeah, I think it's when one organism lives inside another, right?

Exactly! It's such a fascinating concept in biology.

I agree! It really shows how interconnected life can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Endosymbiosis → It is formed from "endo-" (from Greek "endon", meaning within) and "symbiosis" (from Greek "symbiosis", meaning living together). The word describes a process where one organism lives inside another in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Memory Tip

Think of organisms living 'within' ('endo-') each other in a 'together' ('symbiosis') relationship — that's what endosymbiosis means.

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