The hyperthermophilic origin of life revisited.
We revisit the case for the hyperthermophilic scenario for the origin of life and the last common ancestor. Evidence includes studies of phylogenetic trees, rRNA, G and C content, hyperthermophilic proteins, correlations between maximal temperature tolerances and genetic distances, saline stabilization of DNA/RNA, and the inferred climatic temperatures of the early Earth. Although some doubts remain, the case for hot biogenesis and the last common ancestor has gotten stronger.
Schwartzman
D W
DW
Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington DC 20059, U.S.A. dws@scs.howard.edu
Lineweaver
C H
CH
D001105:Archaea; D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics; D003562:Cytidine / Q000737:chemistry; D018534:Earth, Planet; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D019419:Evolution, Planetary; D006151:Guanosine / Q000737:chemistry; D006358:Hot Temperature; D019369:Life; D000069497:Origin of Life; D010802:Phylogeny; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D013696:Temperature
D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D006151:Guanosine; D003562:Cytidine