Abstract
Based on the concept of "pairs of basic functional states" the evolution of the first chemiosmotic mechanism of energy conversion is discussed in terms of point mutations, gene duplications and of the neutral theory of evolution. A model for estimating the overall probability of the evolutionary step in question is presented, both for the "selectionist" and "neutralist" position. It is concluded that, concerning the present stage of knowledge, the evolution of transmembrane electron transport is an unsolved problem in evolutionary biology.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 725-731 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Origins of Life |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 1-4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 1984 |
| Externally published | Yes |