Proposed Ancestors of Phage Nucleic Acid Packaging Motors
Author Information
Author(s): Philip Serwer
Primary Institution: Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
Hypothesis
The hypothesis proposes that abiotic ancestors of phage RNA and DNA packaging systems include mobile shells with an internal, molecule-transporting cavity.
Conclusion
The study suggests that the evolution of DNA packaging motors can be traced back to abiotic ancestors that utilized thermal ratchet mechanisms.
Supporting Evidence
- Classical phage DNA packaging motors have ancestors that are approximately 1.6 billion years old.
- Studies indicate that connectors evolved before DNA packaging ATPases.
- Shell expansion is a feature of many known double-stranded DNA phages.
Takeaway
The study explores how ancient, non-living structures may have led to the development of modern viruses and their ability to package DNA.
Methodology
The study uses a theoretical approach to deduce the characteristics of ancient abiotic shells and their evolution into biotic systems.
Limitations
The hypothesis relies on assumptions about the existence and characteristics of abiotic ancestors that have not been directly observed.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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