The prospects for Symbiogenetics: emergence of superorganismal genomes and reconstruction of cellular evolution (mini-review)

Abstract

The superspecies systems of heredity that arise via coevolution of phylogenetically distant organisms are represented as the subjects of Symbiogenetics, a new research field addressing integration of the heterologous genomes. Evolutionary mechanisms responsible for this integration include: a) interspecies altruism based on the symbionts’ refusal from autonomous lifestyle; b) inheritance of symbionts by hosts as of acquired genetic determinants (pangenesis). Under impacts of these factors, endosymbionts may be transformed into the cellular organelles which have lost biological and genetic individuality and sometimes lack their own genomes. The genomically truncated organelles which have retained the abilities for reproduction and metabolism are considered as the models to reconstruct the early stages of cell evolution, including the emergence of its genome.