New discovery explains how vertebrates evolved complex bodies and organs

Juvenile Ciona Seasquirt (Image: Shunsuke Sogabe)

• Vertebrates produce diverse proteins from single genes, unlike invertebrates.
• This protein diversity helps vertebrates develop complex organs and cell types.
• University of St Andrews research offers new insight into vertebrate evolution.

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One of the largest mysteries of evolution may have been unraveled by scientists. The clue to the evolution of the simple animals into intricate vertebrates with the backbone, organs, and a variety of cell types is in the mystery.

University of St Andrews has uncovered a genetic twist, which might explain the evolution of vertebrates to become so complex, contrary to those of their invertebrate counterparts.

The Mystery of Vertebrate Complexity

The vertebrates comprise all the animals starting with the fish and amphibians up to the mammals and the human beings. However, scientists have been puzzled throughout decades by the question that what made these animals more complex than invertebrates such as worms or sea squirts?

The new study demonstrates that the solution could be found in the manner in which genes create proteins in the process of development.

Diving Into DNA of Animals

Three major animals were examined by the researchers on their DNA. First, there are the simple invertebrates in the sea squarts. Second are lampreys with primitive vertebrates. Third are frogs of modern vertebrates.

They concentrated on genes that regulate cell signalling pathways that inform cells about how to proliferate and what to develop. These channels play a very important role in the development of tissues, organs and finally complexity of the body.

Who Did This Research?

The scientists at the University of St Andrews in Scotland carried out the research. They examined genes of cell signal pathways that are directives used in the course of cell development to create different tissues and organs. They were published in the journal BMC Biology giving a new understanding on one of the major transitions to evolution.

What did scientists find out?

The researchers found out that vertebrates generate numerous varieties of the identical protein based on a single gene in comparison to invertebrates. Due to this diversity of proteins, cells are able to carry out various functions and this has open-ended new kinds of cells and organs. Cautiously, vertebrates are capable of doing more with identical genetic toolkit.

Why It Is So Important That This Study Takes Place?

The paper describes one of the major evolutionary changes that enabled the vertebrates to become more complex in their bodies and organs. It illuminates the evolution of multicellular life to be more complicated and the development of the various cell types. It is a unique insight into the molecular basis of evolution, between genetics and high-level biological diversity.