The origin of DNA genomes and DNA replication proteins

In recent years, it has became clear that most proteins involved in cellular DNA precursor synthesis or DNA replication have been ‘invented’ more than once, indicating that the transition from RNA to DNA genomes was more complex than previously thought. Several authors have suggested that DNA viruse...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current Opinion in Microbiology 2002-10, Vol.5 (5), p.525-532
Main Author: Forterre, Patrick
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological Evolution
comparative genomics
DNA - genetics
DNA replication
DNA Replication - physiology
hyperthermophiles
Models, Genetic
Okazaki fragments
polymerase
progenote
Proteins - physiology
ribonucleotide reductase
RNA - genetics
Selection, Genetic
thymidylate synthase
virus evolution
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Summary:In recent years, it has became clear that most proteins involved in cellular DNA precursor synthesis or DNA replication have been ‘invented’ more than once, indicating that the transition from RNA to DNA genomes was more complex than previously thought. Several authors have suggested that DNA viruses, which often encode their own version of these proteins, played an important role in this process. The nature of the genome of the last universal cellular ancestor (LUCA) — that is, RNA or DNA, prokaryotic-like or eukaryotic-like — remains in dispute. A hyperthermophilic LUCA would have suggested a circular, double-stranded DNA genome; however, recent data favor a mesophilic or moderately thermophilic LUCA. The nature of the genome of the last universal cellular ancestor (LUCA)-that is, RNA or DNA, prokaryotic-like or eukaryotic-like-remains in dispute. A hyperthermophilic LUCA would have suggested a circular, double-stranded DNA genome; however, recent data favour a mesophilic or moderately thermophilic LUCA.
ISSN:1369-5274
1879-0364
DOI:10.1016/S1369-5274(02)00360-0