Symbiogenesis and the early evolution of life

Francisco Carrapico; Telma Rodrigues

doi:10.1117/12.617564

22 September 2005 Symbiogenesis and the early evolution of life

Francisco Carrapico, Telma Rodrigues

Proceedings Volume 5906, Astrobiology and Planetary Missions; 59060R (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617564
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The concept of symbiogenesis was introduced in 1909 by the Russian biologist Constantin Merezhkowsky as "the origin of organisms by the combination or by the association of two or several beings which enter into symbiosis". In this article we develop this idea, associated to the Freeman Dyson's hypothesis, applied to the early evolutive stages of life, considering that it could be a possible main rule in the appearance and development of life conditions on Earth and elsewhere. A cooperative, synergistic strategy should be considered as having been the determinant in the development of the survival of the fittest, especially under extremely adverse environmental conditions. This concept must be also applied to the first communities of cells as the base supporting evolution of the early "tree of life". Cells, like we have previously described, can be included in a new cellular concept entitled, "symbiocell", since survival of the community under such adverse conditions required a cooperative, synergistic strategy. Similar principles could also be used to understand chemical pre-biotic evolution. We believe that astrobiologists should consider it as a new approach to understand organic and biological evolution.

Citation Download Citation

Francisco Carrapico and Telma Rodrigues "Symbiogenesis and the early evolution of life", Proc. SPIE 5906, Astrobiology and Planetary Missions, 59060R (22 September 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617564

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available