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Comparative genomics and bioenergetics
1European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Biocomputing Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany. jose.castresana@embl-heidelberg.de
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|January 10, 2002
Summary
Prokaryotic genome analysis reveals diverse energy conservation strategies. Gene loss and duplication in the last universal ancestor explain complex bioenergetic pathway evolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Bioenergetics
Background:
- Complete genome sequences from diverse bacteria and archaea are available.
- Understanding the evolution of bioenergetic pathways is crucial for prokaryotic biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phylogenetic distribution and evolution of bioenergetic pathways in prokaryotes.
- To infer the bioenergetic capabilities of the last universal common ancestor.
Main Methods:
- Searched complete prokaryotic genomes for key enzymes in respiration and photosynthesis.
- Mapped enzyme distribution onto an rRNA-based phylogenetic tree.
- Conducted phylogenetic analysis of widespread bioenergetic protein families.
Main Results:
- Enzyme distribution across prokaryotes is irregular, indicating diverse energy conservation strategies.
- Phylogenetic analysis reveals a complex evolutionary history for bioenergetic genes.
- Gene duplication and loss in the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) explain observed patterns.
Conclusions:
- The LUCA was likely a bioenergetically sophisticated organism.
- Prokaryotic bioenergetic machinery evolved through gene duplication and loss.
- Genome analysis supports key evolutionary events like the origin of aerobic respiration and mitochondria.