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Evolution. When did photosynthesis emerge on Earth?

D J De Marais¹

¹NASA Ames Research Center,Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA. ddesmarais@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|September 23, 2000

Summary

Photosynthesis enabled life to spread across Earth by providing a reliable energy source. Evidence suggests this vital process originated at least 2.8 billion years ago.

Area of Science:

Astrobiology
Biogeochemistry
Molecular Biology

Background:

Life's early evolution was constrained by limited energy sources.
Abiotic chemical reactions provided the initial reducing power for early life.
The emergence of photosynthesis revolutionized energy acquisition for life.

Discussion:

Photosynthesis allowed life to overcome dependence on scarce abiotic chemical energy.
This innovation facilitated the widespread proliferation of life on Earth.
Recent studies integrate geological and molecular data to pinpoint photosynthesis's origin.

Key Insights:

Photosynthesis emerged at least 2,800 million years ago.
Evidence from Xiong et al. supports an ancient origin for photosynthesis.

Keywords:

NASA Center ARC NASA Discipline Exobiology

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This finding reshapes our understanding of early Earth's biosphere.

Outlook:

Further research will refine the timeline of photosynthetic evolution.
Investigating early photosynthetic organisms can reveal more about Earth's ancient environments.
Understanding photosynthesis's origins informs the search for extraterrestrial life.