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A mash-up of yeast and E. coli shows how mitochondria might have evolved

Forcing the two organisms to cooperate hints at origins of cells’ energy factories

mitochondria

YOU COMPLETE ME Yeast cells (blue) harboring E. coli bacteria (purple) work together to provide each other energy and nutrients. The hybrid cells may help scientists learn more about the evolution of mitochondria, the organelles that make energy for cells.

Paul Webster

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Yeast intentionally stuffed with bacteria may teach scientists something about the origins of cells’ powerhouses.