Polyphosphate - an ancient energy source and active metabolic regulator
2011
Polyphosphate: An Ancient Energy Source and Active Metabolic Regulator
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Achbergerová Lucia, Nahálka Jozef
Primary Institution: Slovak Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
Polyphosphate and calcium-rich organelles have endosymbiotic origins from ancient protocells that metabolized polyphosphate.
Conclusion
Inorganic polyphosphate is a molecule of many functions involved in energetic metabolism and gene regulation.
Supporting Evidence
- Polyphosphate is found in every type of cell in nature.
- Polyphosphate plays a central role in the stress response of microorganisms.
- Polyphosphate kinases are key enzymes that mediate the synthesis and degradation of polyphosphate chains.
Takeaway
Polyphosphate is a special molecule that helps cells store energy and control important processes, and it has been around since the early days of life on Earth.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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