Enzyme Phylogenies and Environmental Oxidation States
Author Information
Author(s): Duval Simon, Ducluzeau Anne-Lise, Nitschke Wolfgang, Schoepp-Cothenet Barbara
Primary Institution: Laboratoire de Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines UPR 9036, Institut de Biologie Structurale et Microbiologie, CNRS, Marseille, France
Hypothesis
The evolutionary history of respiratory arsenate reductase (Arr) can be inferred from its phylogenetic relationship to other bioenergetic enzymes.
Conclusion
The study suggests that respiratory arsenate reductase evolved as a response to the accumulation of arsenate in the environment due to increased oxidation states from oxygenic photosynthesis.
Supporting Evidence
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the proximity of Arr to polysulfide/thiosulfate reductases.
- Arr likely originated after the Bacteria/Archaea divergence.
- The study suggests that an enzyme related to polysulfide reductase evolved into Arr due to environmental changes.
Takeaway
Scientists studied how certain enzymes evolved over time and found that one enzyme, which helps bacteria use arsenate, developed when the environment became more oxygen-rich.
Methodology
The study involved genomic searches and phylogenetic analysis of genes related to the respiratory arsenate reductase enzyme.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on genomic data and may not account for all environmental factors influencing enzyme evolution.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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