The universal ancestor: An unfinished reconstruction

Authors

  • Arturo Becerra National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
  • Luis Delaye Centre for Research and Advanced Studies at the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV), Irapuato Campus (Mexico).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.6.4981

Keywords:

universal phylogeny, LUCA, horizontal transference, early evolution, common ancestor

Abstract

The cenancestor is defined as the last common ancestor of every currently living being. Its nature has been inferred from the identification of homologous genes between archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotic lineages. These inferences indicate that the cenancestor had a relatively modern protein translation system, similar in complexity to that of a current cell. However, the key enzymes for the replication of genetic material and for cell membrane biosynthesis are not homologous in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Here, we briefly review the history of the concept of the last universal common ancestor and the different hypotheses proposed for its biology.

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Author Biographies

Arturo Becerra, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Professor at the Science School of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He is the author of several scientific publications on the evolution of early life on Earth.

Luis Delaye, Centre for Research and Advanced Studies at the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV), Irapuato Campus (Mexico).

Professor at the Centre for Research and Advanced Studies at the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV), Irapuato Campus (Mexico). He is the author of several scientific publications on the evolution of bacteria.

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Published

2016-04-15

How to Cite

Becerra, A., & Delaye, L. (2016). The universal ancestor: An unfinished reconstruction. Metode Science Studies Journal, (6), 145–149. https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.6.4981
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Issue

Science grid: The public understanding of science (2016)

Section

On the origin of life. An incomplete scientific story

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