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Related Concept Videos

Eukaryotic Evolution01:24

Eukaryotic Evolution

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The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...
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The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes02:40

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The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both...
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The Evidence for Evolution02:55

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Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
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The Eukaryotic Promoter Region02:40

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The eukaryotic promoter region is a segment of DNA located upstream of a gene. It contains an RNA polymerase binding site, a transcription start site, and several cis-regulatory sequences.  The proximal promoter region is located in the vicinity of the gene and has cis-regulatory sequences and the core promoter. The core promoter is the binding site for RNA polymerase and is usually located between -35 and +35 nucleotides from the transcription start site. The distal promoter regions are...
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Convergent Evolution01:54

Convergent Evolution

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Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
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L-ascorbic acid and the evolution of multicellular eukaryotes.

John Alexander Edgar1

  • 1Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), 11 Julius Avenue 2113, PO Box 52, North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia.

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|June 7, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The evolution of multicellular eukaryotes was significantly influenced by the development of oxygenic photosynthesis and mitochondria. The L-ascorbic acid redox system also played a crucial role in this transition and maintaining eukaryote characteristics.

Keywords:
2-oxoglutarate-oxygenasesROS modulationapoptosisdiabetesendosymbiosis: oxygenepigeneticshypoxia-inducible factormeiosisstress

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Area of Science:

  • Origin of life studies
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Earth formed ~4.5 billion years ago; anaerobic unicellular life emerged ~0.5 billion years later.
  • Prokaryotes evolved complex biochemistry, but the transition to multicellular eukaryotes took ~2.5 billion years.
  • The factors driving this long-delayed transition remain a key research question.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key factors contributing to the evolution of multicellular eukaryotes.
  • To propose the L-ascorbic acid redox system as a critical evolutionary component.
  • To highlight the ongoing importance of this system in eukaryote maintenance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of evolutionary biology and biochemistry.
  • Analysis of characteristics distinguishing prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  • Consideration of environmental factors like oxygen levels and organelle development.

Main Results:

  • Oxygenic photosynthesis led to increased environmental oxygen.
  • Development of mitochondria enabled aerobic energy production (ATP).
  • Concurrent evolution of the L-ascorbic acid redox system is proposed as a key factor.

Conclusions:

  • The L-ascorbic acid redox system is vital for the evolution and maintenance of multicellular eukaryotes.
  • This system, alongside oxygen and mitochondria, facilitated the transition from unicellular prokaryotes.
  • Understanding this system is crucial for comprehending eukaryote complexity and characteristics.