A team of researchers from around the globe has determined that a class of microorganisms known as Asgard archaea represents the source of all complex life on Earth. The research reveals how these special organisms signified the evolutionary transition from one-celled prokaryotes to multicellular eukaryotes several billion years in the past.
For a number of years, an international assembly of scientists has been investigating the Asgard archaea microorganisms. The findings of their studies point to these particular organisms as the beginning of all intricate life forms inhabiting our planet.
Initially, the life forms that emerged on Earth were dubbed prokaryotes, consisting of single-celled entities that encompass bacteria. But around two to three billion years in the past, more sophisticated forms of life known as eukaryotes emerged. A recent study published in Nature examined the genetic structure of the Asgard archaea microorganisms, which were crucial in the shift from single to multicellular entities.
Courtney Stairs, a biology researcher at Lund University, notes, “Asgard archaea give us insights into our one-celled forebears and the evolution of complicated life. This might have happened through a symbiotic relationship between various one-celled organisms, including a relative of today’s Asgard archaea.”
The research uncovered that some proteins in Asgard archaea are akin to proteins once thought to be exclusive to later, more intricate life forms. By examining hundreds of proteins, the scientists were able to pinpoint the entire genetic lineage where the more advanced eukaryotes began.
This latest research concludes that all elaborate life forms, also known as eukaryotes, can trace their lineage to a shared ancestor among the microbe group Asgard archaea. Credit: University of Texas at Austin.
Courtney Stairs further states, “Our discoveries sharpen our grasp of our remote single-celled forefathers and help us separate our distinct traits from those of one-celled organisms. The emergence of eukaryotes poses questions about cell cooperation and evolution.”
Named after Norse mythology’s realm of Asgard, Asgard archaea was initially found in sediment close to Lokis Castle in the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists think that the predecessors of these microbes dwelled in moderately temperate environments, utilizing various nutrient sources. Courtney Stairs emphasizes that much can be deduced about an organism through its DNA alone.
“The research provides a seminal origins tale that seeks to resolve a major question in evolutionary biology – the source of eukaryotes. Our findings defy the traditional belief about the emergence of intricate life forms and emphasize the Asgard lineage’s role in decoding evolution’s enigmas,” concludes Courtney Stairs.
Reference: “Inference and reconstruction of the heimdallarchaeial ancestry of eukaryotes” by Laura Eme, Daniel Tamarit, Eva F. Caceres, Courtney W. Stairs, Valerie De Anda, Max E. Schön, Kiley W. Seitz, Nina Dombrowski, William H. Lewis, Felix Homa, Jimmy H. Saw, Jonathan Lombard, Takuro Nunoura, Wen-Jun Li, Zheng-Shuang Hua, Lin-Xing Chen, Jillian F. Banfield, Emily St John, Anna-Louise Reysenbach, Matthew B. Stott, Andreas Schramm, Kasper U. Kjeldsen, Andreas P. Teske, Brett J. Baker, and Thijs J. G. Ettema, 14 June 2023, Nature.
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06186-2
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Asgard archaea
What are Asgard archaea, and why are they significant in the study of life’s evolution?
Asgard archaea are a group of microorganisms that have been identified as the origin of all complex life forms on Earth. According to the international research, these microorganisms marked the vital evolutionary shift from single-celled prokaryotes to multicellular eukaryotes billions of years ago.
Who conducted the research on Asgard archaea, and where was it published?
An international team of researchers conducted the study, and the findings were published in the scientific journal Nature on June 14, 2023.
What was the main discovery regarding proteins in Asgard archaea?
The research shows that some proteins in Asgard archaea are related to proteins that were previously thought to be specific to more complex life forms. Through analyzing hundreds of proteins, the researchers identified the genetic makeup of the entire branch where eukaryotes originated.
Where did the name “Asgard archaea” come from?
Asgard archaea is named after the realm of Asgard in Norse mythology. The first findings were identified in sediment near Lokis Castle in the Atlantic Ocean.
How does the study of Asgard archaea change our understanding of the origin of complex life?
The study challenges conventional understanding of the origin of complex life forms and highlights the Asgard lineage’s role in unraveling the mysteries of evolution. It refines our knowledge of ancient single-celled ancestors and contributes to the understanding of how cells cooperate and evolve.
4 comments
Wow! this is game-changing research. Never knew that Asgard archaea had such a big role in life’s evolution. Fascinatng stuff!
i cant believe how far science has come; tracing back all complex life to Asgard archaea. Its simply amazing. A must read for any biology enthusiast.
does this mean we’re all kind of related to Asgard archaea? I mean, it’s like finding out your ancient family history but on a species level. So cool!
This study seems complex but really intriging. We’re unraveling lifes mysteries one step at a time. Who knows what else well find next?