Planctomycetes and eukaryotes: A case of analogy not homology

James O. Mcinerney; William F. Martin; Eugene V. Koonin; John F. Allen; Michael Y. Galperin; Nick Lane; John M. Archibald; T. Martin Embley

doi:10.1002/bies.201100045

Planctomycetes and eukaryotes: A case of analogy not homology

James O. Mcinerney, William F. Martin, Eugene V. Koonin, John F. Allen, Michael Y. Galperin, Nick Lane, John M. Archibald, T. Martin Embley

Medicine

Medicine

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

77 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia and Chlamydia are prokaryotic phyla, sometimes grouped together as the PVC superphylum of eubacteria. Some PVC species possess interesting attributes, in particular, internal membranes that superficially resemble eukaryotic endomembranes. Some biologists now claim that PVC bacteria are nucleus-bearing prokaryotes and are considered evolutionary intermediates in the transition from prokaryote to eukaryote. PVC prokaryotes do not possess a nucleus and are not intermediates in the prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition. Here we summarise the evidence that shows why all of the PVC traits that are currently cited as evidence for aspiring eukaryoticity are either analogous (the result of convergent evolution), not homologous, to eukaryotic traits; or else they are the result of horizontal gene transfers.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	810-817
Number of pages	8
Journal	BioEssays
Volume	33
Issue number	11
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.201100045
Publication status	Published - Nov 2011

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology

PubMed: MeSH publication types

Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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10.1002/bies.201100045

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AU - Martin, William F.

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AU - Allen, John F.

AU - Galperin, Michael Y.

AU - Lane, Nick

AU - Archibald, John M.

AU - Embley, T. Martin

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Planctomycetes and eukaryotes: A case of analogy not homology

Abstract

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

PubMed: MeSH publication types

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