LIFE ON EARTH MIGHT NOT HAVE EVOLVED BEYOND SLIME WITHOUT THE ANCESTRAL GENE

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a common ancestral gene that enabled the evolution of advanced life forms over a billion years ago.

The gene, found in all complex organisms, including plants and animals, encodes a large group of enzymes, known as protein kinases, and it allows the cells to be larger and rapidly transfer information from one part to another.

If the duplications and subsequent mutations of this gene during evolution had not happen, life would be completely different today - the most advanced life on our planet would probably still be bacterial slime.

This new research identifies the gene that gave rise to protein kinases. On a cellular scale, these highly interactive signaling proteins play a role similar to the neurons in the brain, transferring information throughout the cell through a process known as protein phosphorylation.

The ability to transmit signals from one part of the cell to another not only enabled cells to become more complex internally, but also allowed cells to come together to form systems, paving the way for the evolution of intelligent life.

Thanks to: sciencedaily.com