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Copper and the biological evolution.

E I Ochiai

    Bio Systems
    |January 1, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary

    Copper availability, linked to atmospheric oxygen, likely spurred the evolution of early eukaryotic organisms. This suggests copper

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    Area of Science:

    • Biogeochemistry
    • Evolutionary Biology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Copper is a vital component in numerous enzymes and proteins.
    • Most copper-containing enzymes and proteins are exclusively found in eukaryotes, with notable exceptions in some bacteria.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the historical availability of copper and its correlation with the evolution of life.
    • To explore copper's role as an indicator of atmospheric and biological evolution.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of geological and atmospheric conditions during Precambrian and Proteozoic eras.
    • Correlation of copper's chemical state and solubility with the emergence of eukaryotic life.

    Main Results:

    • Copper existed in insoluble forms (metallic or cuprous sulfides) during the low-oxygen Precambrian era, limiting biological availability.
    • The rise in atmospheric oxygen during the Proteozoic era oxidized copper to more soluble forms (Cu(II)), coinciding with the appearance of eukaryotes.

    Conclusions:

    • Copper availability is strongly linked to atmospheric oxygen levels.
    • Copper can be considered a key indicator element for both atmospheric oxygenation and the evolution of eukaryotic organisms.

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