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Abstract of cited article;

In the theory of viral eukaryogenesis I propose here, the eukaryotic nucleus evolved from a complex DNA virus. It is proposed that the virus established a persistent presence in the cytoplasm of a methanogenic mycoplasma and evolved into the eukaryotic nucleus by acquiring a set of essential genes from the host genome and eventually usurping its role. It is proposed that several characteristic features of the eukaryotic nucleus derive from its viral ancestry. These include mRNA capping, linear chromosomes, and separation of transcription from translation. In the model, phagocytosis and other membrane fusion-based processes are derived from viral membrane fusion processes and evolved in concert with the nucleus. The coevolution of phagocytosis and the nucleus rendered much of the host archaeal genome redundant since the protoeukaryote could obtain raw materials and energy by engulfing bacterial syntrophs/prey. This redundancy allowed loss of the archaeal chromosome, generating an organism with eukaryotic features. The evolution of phagocytosis allowed the eukaryotes to be the first organisms to occupy the niche of predator.

To this layman reader, it is unclear whether the host procaryotic cell was a mycoplasma or an Archaeal cell. Is there an expert in the house? archola 03:11, 9 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Expansion?

I propose the following paragraph be temporarily included in the article in order to elucidate on the concept behind this theory -- until someone better qualified happens upon it.

Certainly a number of precepts in the theory hold true. For instance, a helical virus with a bilipid envelope bears a distinct resemblance to a highly simplified cellular nucleus (ie: a DNA chromosome encapsulated within a lipid membrane). To consider the concept in a logical manner, a large DNA virus would be seen to take control of a bacterial or archaeal cell and, instead of replicating and destroying the host cell, it would remain within the cell. With the virus in control of the host cell's molecular machenery it would effectively become a 'nucleus' of sorts. Through the processes of mitosis and cytokinesis, the virus would thus hijack the entire cell - an extremely favourable way to ensure it's survival.

I am by no means an expert, but this topic interests me, so I've read a fair amount about it. --Xanthine 15:26, 28 April 2006 (UTC)

I'm no expert either (that's why I added the "expert needed" tag), but up until now I've been the only editor on this page. I say, why not? Arch O. La ^{Grigory Deepdelver} 16:09, 28 April 2006 (UTC)

It's an interesting subject. Here's hoping someone can further expand on it. --Xanthine 00:12, 1 May 2006 (UTC)

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[edit] Accepted?

It would be nice to know how widely accepted this theory is. cyclosarin (talk) 09:11, 27 April 2008 (UTC)