Abstract We proposed long ago the following sequence as one of the main pathways in the evolution of energy-yielding metabolism: fermentation→nitrate fermentation→nitrate respiration→oxygen respiration. In the present report our concept is presented in a more general form: (1) fermentation→ →(2) fermentation with $ H_{2} $ release→(3) inorganic types of fermentation→(4) anaerobic respirations →(5) oxygen respiration, based upon recent biological and physical information. The energy-yielding efficiency increased gradually together with the evolution. (2) is characterized by the participation of ferredoxin, (3) by the establishment of electron transfer chain, and (4) by the participation of cytochrome and oxidative phosphorylation. The close relationship between the primary structure of ferredoxins of anaerobic bacteria and that of a cytochrome (cytochromec3) was demonstrated. It reveals that the transition from inorganic types of fermentation to anaerobic respirations was direct and accompanied by the transition from ferredoxins to cytochromes, and it further supports our concept that the cytochrome system, and consequently the oxidative phosphorylation, were induced at this evolutionary step. Our concept based upon biological observations is consistent with a physical theory recently proposed by M. Shimizu.
Inorganic types of fermentation and anaerobic respirations in the evolution of energy-yielding metabolism
Origins of life ; 5 , 3-4
1974
Article (Journal)
English
Local classification TIB: | 535/3908/4290 | |
BKL: | 44.71 Verkehrsmedizin |