Question

Expand LUCA

Answer 1

Hint: The process of evolution of organisms occurs from a common ancestor. With time, various species diverge from the ancestor and form a different population. The Universal Common Ancestor theory was proposed by Charles Darwin.

Complete answer:
 LUCA is the abbreviation for Last Universal Common Ancestor also known as Last Universal Cellular Ancestor. LUCA is the last or the most recent population which acts as a common ancestor for all the species residing on the Earth.

The concept of LUCA can be further studied by the process of genome comparison of all the existing organisms. After a number of studies, LUCA is proposed as a small single-celled organism with a ring-shaped DNA within the cell. The habitat of LUCA was proposed to be in zones with high temperatures such as deep-sea vents.

The most valid hypothesis on LUCA was proposed by Carl
- Woese, and it states that:
- no individual organism can be considered a LUCA
- The genetic heritage of all modern organisms is derived through horizontal gene transfer among an ancient community of organisms.

Note: The Origin of Species is a book written by Charles Darwin. It was published in November 1859. Through the book, Darwin proposed the idea of the evolution of species through a common ancestor. And it occurs through a process called Natural Selection. A concept of common ancestry was established and evolution happened through a branching pattern. The information provided was based on Darwin’s Beagle expedition. The first evidence or idea of evolution was provided by Aristotle.