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Origin and early evolution of photosynthesis
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-1604, USA.
Photosynthesis Research
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Ancient photosynthesis, dating back 3.5 billion years, likely involved early forms of cyanobacteria. Analyzing reaction centers reveals two main groups, suggesting complex evolutionary pathways beyond simple branching, possibly involving genetic transfer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Evolutionary Biology
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Photosynthesis existed on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago.
- Early photosynthetic organisms are thought to resemble modern cyanobacteria.
- This implies early evolution of two photosystems and oxygen production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze evolutionary relationships of photosynthetic reaction centers.
- To understand the early development of photosynthesis.
- To investigate the evolution of linked photosystems.
Main Methods:
- Sequence analysis of reaction center complexes.
- Biophysical measurements.
- Comparative analysis across existing photosynthetic organisms.
Main Results:
- Reaction centers fall into two main groups based on early electron acceptors (pheophytin-quinone vs. iron-sulfur clusters).
- A simple linear evolutionary model does not explain the distribution of these reaction centers.
- Lateral gene transfer is a potential factor in their evolution.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of photosynthesis is more complex than previously assumed.
- Early photosynthetic organisms likely underwent significant genetic exchange.
- Scenarios for the development of primitive reaction centers and linked photosystems are proposed.
Keywords:
NASA Discipline ExobiologyNASA Discipline Number 52-30NASA Program ExobiologyNon-NASA CenterMore Related Videos
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