The origins of life and the mechanisms of biological evolution

Francisco Carrapiço

doi:10.1117/12.681946

14 September 2006 The origins of life and the mechanisms of biological evolution

Francisco Carrapiço

Proceedings Volume 6309, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology IX; 63090O (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.681946
Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Evolution is usually taught as the result of mutations and genetic recombinations combined with natural selection, but most living forms have symbiotic relationships with microorganisms, and in this sense symbiogenesis seems to play a very important role in the origin and life evolution. Symbiosis is an important support for the acquisition of new genomes and new metabolic capacities, which drives living forms' evolution. In this sense, the evolutionary changes can be explained by an integrated cooperation between organisms, in which symbiosis acts, not as an exception, but rather as the rule in nature. Beginning with the eukaryotic cell formation, symbiogenesis appears to be the main evolutionary mechanism in the establishment and maintenance of biomes, as well as the foundation of biodiversity, based on rather suddenly evolutionary novelty, which challenges the Darwinian gradualism. These principles can be applied to the life on Earth and beyond.

Citation Download Citation

Francisco Carrapiço "The origins of life and the mechanisms of biological evolution", Proc. SPIE 6309, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology IX, 63090O (14 September 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.681946

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available