Zdravka Kostova
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/nat2022-1.03
Abstract. The article analyzes contemporary research on early microbial evolution starting from LUCA (Last universal common ancestor) to the establishment of the two branches of the empire (superkingdom) Prokaryota – Archaea and Bacteria. Under discussion are the basic stages and driving forces of biochemical,
physiological and biological evolution of acetogens and methanogens and the role
of genetic divergency and natural selection for the creation of microbial diversity.
An attempt was made for the representation of different views on the origin of the
nucleus and other cellular components, connected to the evolution of the eukaryotic
cell.
Keywords: acetogenesis; methanogenesis; archaea; bacteria; metabolism of prokaryotes; LECA; horizontal gene transfer; origin of eukaryotes; endosymbiosis
