Marine bacteria found in hot springs may hold the key to understanding the origins of mitochondria. These bacteria, which are closely related to ancient bacteria that existed over a billion years ago, could provide vital insights into the development of eukaryotic cells.
Life on Earth began with independent microscopic cells billions of years ago. Then, about 1.6-1.8 billion years ago, two ancient microbes came together and formed a unique partnership. One of these microbes was an α-proteobacteria, a diverse group of bacteria that carry out important biochemical reactions. Some of these bacteria, like Rickettsia, can be harmful, while others are cooperative.
One particularly helpful microbe was the ancient ancestor of modern mitochondria. Mitochondria are vital metabolic powerhouses found in nearly all eukaryotic cells. However, due to the ancient nature of this merger, there is still much we don’t know about the specific bacteria that gave rise to mitochondria.
To unravel this mystery, biochemist Otto Geiger from the National Autonomous University of Mexico led a team of researchers. They used various biochemical, genetic, and cellular techniques to identify the closest living relatives of mitochondria’s ancient ancestor. The team focused on specific metabolic traits that would have been present in the ancestral proto-mitochondria.
However, studying bacteria presents challenges, as they engage in lateral gene transfer, shuffling genes between different species and genomes. This makes it difficult to find an exact match for the ancestral proto-mitochondria’s genetic traits.
One defining step in the research was identifying which bacteria possess the genes for manufacturing two essential lipids found in mitochondria. These lipids, ceramide and cardiolipin, play critical roles in mitochondrial function and cell signaling. The team discovered these lipids in marine α-proteobacteria found in hot springs worldwide.
Surprisingly, these specific bacteria, belonging to the Iodidimonadales genus, had not previously been considered as possible ancestral mitochondrial bacteria. However, they possess traits closely associated with the proto-mitochondria and thrive in environments with high oxygen levels, much like mitochondria.
These findings shed new light on the origins of mitochondria and the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA). By studying these marine bacteria, scientists can gain valuable insights into the evolution of eukaryotic cells and the impacts of the microbial partnership that transformed life on Earth.
Sources:
– Otto Geiger, Alejandro Sanchez-Flores, Jonathan Padilla-Gomez, and Mauro Degli Esposti (2023). Multiple approaches of cellular metabolism define the bacterial ancestry of mitochondria, Science Advances 9(32) | doi:10.1126/sciadv.adh0066
– Parth K. Raval, William F. Martin, and Sven B. Gould (2023). Mitochondrial evolution: Gene shuffling, endosymbiosis, and signaling, Science Advances 9(32) | doi:10.1126/sciadv.adj4493
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
