The Adaptation of Complexity in the Evolution of Macromolecules

TL;DR

This paper explores how the complexity of enzyme structures evolves as a balance between stability and function, revealing fundamental mechanisms of molecular evolution and implications for understanding enzyme efficiency and adaptability.

Contribution

It introduces a hypothesis that enzyme complexity results from coevolving opposing forces, linking structure, stability, and function in evolutionary processes.

Findings

Enzyme complexity is driven by the balance of stability and functional demands.

Protein evolution involves coevolution of opposing forces shaping structure and function.

Understanding enzyme complexity can shed light on evolutionary strategies of ancient replicators.

Abstract

Enzymes are on the front lines of evolution. All living organisms rely on highly efficient, specific enzymes for growth, sustenance, and reproduction; and many diseases are a consequence of a mutation on an enzyme that affects its catalytic function. It follows that the function of an enzyme affects the fitness of an organism, but just as rightfully true, the function of an enzyme affects the fitness of itself. Understanding how the complexity of enzyme structure relates to its essential function will unveil the fundamental mechanisms of evolution, and, perhaps, shed light on strategies used by ancient replicators. This paper presents evidence that supports the hypothesis that enzymes, and proteins in general, are the manifestation of the coevolution of two opposing forces. The synthesis of enzyme architecture, stability, function, evolutionary relationships, and evolvability shows that the complexity of macromolecules is a consequence of the function it provides.