Did the last common ancestor have a biological membrane?
2006
Did the last common ancestor have a biological membrane?
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jékely Gáspár
Primary Institution: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Hypothesis
Did the last common ancestor of cellular life have a closed biological membrane?
Conclusion
The study concludes that the last common ancestor likely had a closed biological membrane from which all cellular membranes evolved.
Supporting Evidence
- The universal presence of key components of translation suggests all cellular life derives from one common ancestor.
- The conserved structural features of proteins indicate that the last common ancestor had a hydrophobic layer with two hydrophilic sides.
- The presence of a proton ATPase indicates that the last common ancestor was associated with a hydrophobic layer able to maintain a proton gradient.
Takeaway
Scientists think that the first living cells had a protective layer around them, like a bubble, which helped them keep important stuff inside.
Methodology
The study analyzes the structural and functional conservation of universally distributed proteins associated with membranes.
Limitations
The arguments are based on a conservative reconstruction and do not account for extensive gene losses.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website