All organisms are made up of cells, which are the smallest functional and structural units. Eukaryotic cells contain DNA within a nucleus, as well as other organelles like mitochondria, chloroplasts, and lysosomes. The endosymbiotic theory proposes that eukaryotic cells originated from engulfed prokaryotes that developed into specialized organelles. Evidence for this includes cellular membranes and DNA being similar to prokaryotes. Multicellular organisms evolved as cells began to specialize and cooperate to allow organisms to grow larger while maintaining efficient nutrient exchange.