Definition

Relating to a type of symbiosis where one organism lives inside the cells or body of another organism.

Example

The endosymbiotic theory explains how certain organelles in eukaryotic cells originated from free-living bacteria.

Conversation

Did you know there are some species that have endosymbiotic relationships with others?

Really? I always thought they were just separate organisms.

Yeah, like how certain algae live inside coral!

That's fascinating! Nature has such interesting partnerships.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Endosymbiotic → It is formed from "endo-" (from Greek "endon", meaning within) and "symbiosis" (from Greek "symbiosis", meaning living together). The word describes a relationship where one organism lives within another, highlighting the concept of mutual coexistence.

Memory Tip

Think of 'within' ('endo-') and 'living together' ('symbiosis') to remember that 'endosymbiotic' refers to organisms that live together inside one another.

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