The Origin of Protists: Glycogen Storage
Fredrick, Jerome F.
Lehman College, Biology Department, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard,
West Bronx, New York 10468, USA
A composite theory of the origin of protists is presented based upon the energy needs of living cells. Glycogen storage is detailed from prebiotic conditions through the red and green algae, pointing out the stability of the glucose helix and the evolutionary development of the glucosyltransferases. Evidence is presented showing the unbroken progression of glycogen storage (as glycogen, amylopectin and amylose) from anaerobic bacteria which depend on fermentation through aerobic life which is dependent on respiration. The thermophilic primitive eukaryotes, Cyanidioschyzon merolae, Cyanidium caldarium, and Galdieria sulphuraria form transitions between prokaryotic cells and the red algae. The green algae, the first to form true starch from a combination of amylopectin and amylose, formed it within the chloroplast rather than inside the cytoplasm; this indicates a progression possibly related to Prochloron, but not to symbiotic contact which would have resulted in glycogen rather than starch being synthesized.
Symbiotic events are considered possible, particularly in the early stages of cell development, but indications from the study of glycogen storage and the enzymes concerned point to autogenous evolutionary development of protists possibly combined with some form of membrane involvement.
| LOCATION |
DATE |
TIME |
| Lecture Hall I |
Tuesday, April 7 |
09:00 am |