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Evolutionary Impact of In tracellular Symbiosis
Author(s) -
Taylor Dennis L.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
berichte der deutschen botanischen gesellschaft
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.871
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1438-8677
pISSN - 0365-9631
DOI - 10.1111/j.1438-8677.1981.tb03429.x
Subject(s) - symbiosis , biogeochemical cycle , flexibility (engineering) , biology , intracellular , ecosystem , organelle , ecology , evolutionary biology , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , genetics , statistics , mathematics
Intracellular symbiosis involving two or more species can influence the rapid development and evolution of both the participating organisms, and the environments where they are found. At the cellular level, such associations direct the evolution of metabolic pathways and organelle systems, providing degrees of flexibility not found in single organisms. At the environmental level, they are a significant biogeochemical force that shapes habitats and ecosystems. As such, they are major elements of production and stability. Specific examples of both the cellular and the environmental impact of intracellular symbiosis are presented. Their significance in the overall evolution of the organic world is discussed.