| Abstrakt: |
A recent study conducted at Heinrich-Heine-University Dusseldorf in Germany has explored the impact of oxygen on prokaryotic evolution. The researchers found that oxygen-dependent enzymes evolved in anaerobic pathways for essential cofactor biosynthesis, allowing prokaryotes to synthesize essential cofactors in oxygen-containing environments. This innovation was a prerequisite for the later emergence of aerobic respiratory chains. The study challenges traditional views of oxygen's role in evolution, which primarily focus on improved energy yield, and highlights the importance of oxygen in enabling prokaryotes to colonize oxic niches. [Extracted from the article] |
