Role of DNA-membrane interactions in prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition: an hypothesis.

Abstract

A model system of experiments to consider the problem of the origin of eukaryotic cells as well as the prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition was investigated, in terms of the role of nucleic acid-membrane interactions. It was thought worthwhile to consider the importance of DNA-membrane contacts for the organization of the prokaryotic nucleoid. The model for the fusion of four proto-eukaryotic cells was proposed to clarify the prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition as well as the formation of the nuclear pores of eukaryotes from the Bayer's junctions of proto-eukaryotes. The basic requirements following from the cell fusion model suggest such orientation of the cells involved. The obstacles for division of the ancestor cell were excluded by merging. Enormous advantages to the cell metabolism due to the fusion of four proto-eukaryotic cells and an intensive growth of the inner membranous structures resulted.