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Abstract

Summary

We explore the evolutionary history and functional diversity of tetraether lipid synthase (Tes), an enzyme essential for producing GDGTs—membrane lipids important in both microbial physiology and paleoclimate reconstruction. Phylogenetic analysis reveals Tes is conserved across major archaeal lineages, suggesting it originated in the last archaeal common ancestor. Structural comparisons highlight variations linked to functional divergence. The study also identifies Tes-like genes in some bacteria. These findings provide new insight into microbial membrane evolution and have implications for interpreting GDGT-based environmental proxies in both modern and ancient settings.

EAGE Publications BV © 2025 The Authors © European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers
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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202533311
2025-09-07
2026-01-13

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References

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