The two-domain tree of life is linked to a new root for the Archaea

摘要: One of the most fundamental questions in evolutionary biology is origin lineage leading to eukaryotes. Recent phylogenomic analyses have indicated an emergence eukaryotes from within radiation modern Archaea and specifically a group comprising Thaumarchaeota/“Aigarchaeota” (candidate phylum)/Crenarchaeota/Korarchaeota (TACK). Despite their major implications, these studies were all based on reconstruction universal trees left exact placement with respect TACK unclear. Here we applied original two-step approach that involves separate analysis markers shared between Bacteria. This strategy allowed us use larger number greater taxonomic coverage, obtain high-quality alignments, alleviate tree artifacts potentially introduced when analyzing three domains simultaneously. Our results robustly indicate sister relationship superphylum strongly associated distinct root lies Euryarchaeota, challenging traditional topology archaeal tree. Therefore, if are embrace for eukaryotes, our view evolution third domain life will be profoundly reconsidered, as many areas investigation aimed at inferring ancestral characteristics early Earth.