Science Common Sense

1617 - How did eukaryotic cells evolve?

Eukaryotic cells are the type of cells that make up plants, animals, and humans. They're more complex than other types of cells, with things like a nucleus (the cell's control center) and tiny organs inside the cell called organelles.

About 2 billion years ago, the Earth was home to only simple cells called prokaryotes. These cells didn't have a nucleus or organelles. One day, a prokaryote cell swallowed another cell, but it didn't digest it. This other cell was able to live inside the first cell and even helped it by making energy.

Over time, the swallowed cell became an organelle called the mitochondria. It did such a great job helping the cell that the cell didn't want to get rid of it. More and more cells swallowed other helpful cells, and these swallowed cells became other organelles.

Eventually, the cell's genetic material (DNA) got a special protective covering called the nucleus. And just like that, the eukaryotic cell was born! This was a big deal because it allowed cells to become much more complex and diverse, which ultimately led to the development of all sorts of amazing creatures, including you!