Chapter 27, Problem 1QC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The process by which evolutionary expansion of eukaryotic organisms changes the way carbon is cycled through biological communities.

Introduction:

Eukaryotes distinguish from other organisms because it contains a eukaryotic cell with true nucleus. There are limited number of sources of carbon and energy for eukaryotes.

The evolutionary expansion of eukaryotic organisms helps them to survive in their environment. They have various features that can help them to be successful in evolutionary expansion.

Explanation of Solution

Eukaryotes are successful because they have the ability to evolve some novel functions. They can evolve gene regulation patterns, cell shape by remodeling, and multiple cell types that can interact with growth and development. They have dynamic cytoskeleton and cell membrane that provides them structure and shape.

Subsets of metabolic pathways that are used by bacteria are generally recruited by eukaryotes. The eukaryotic organisms involve various sources to gain energy such as aerobic respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis. The carbon cycle by eukaryotes is most similar to aerobic prokaryote’s carbon cycle. Eukaryotes prey on other unicellular organisms and add to the carbon cycling.

Conclusion

The evolutionary expansion of eukaryotic organisms changes the way carbon is cycled through biological communities by adding predation and some other novel features in the carbon cycle.