Eukaryotism, Towards a New Interpretation

摘要: The phylogenetic-comparative molecular approach has caused a fundamental conceptual change in the way we view living matter. new is based on consequent utilization of genotypic comparisons, thus bypassing limitations phenotype. It differs this respect fundamentally from previous attempts classification life by Haeckel (1866), Chatton (1938), Copeland or Whittacker (1969). rests decipherment genetic code, development potent strategies for nucleic acid sequencing, and assumption that each per se, its perpetuation, alteration, relationship to other changes an information-storing molecule, as genomes general, represents phylogenetic event direct record evolutionary history. Consequently, sequence analysis may be expected provide means which phylogeny deduced and-refined complemented evolution functions structures-allow global genealogical system established, i.e. permit all lifeforms classified related other, since any organism can unambiguously quantitatively, properties organisms understood context their relatives. This now been generally accepted, replaces textbooks, resulted thinking biologists. Although even central aspects are still subject critical debate (see, e.g. Doolittle 1996; Martin 1996), it highly probable will ultimately lead natural, coherent, universal tree life.