Structures are presented in S5 for each of these. 2320 and 2364 have 32 amino acid residues while 2124 has 30. An additional 34 amino acid structure at 2402 is also proposed in S5, to fit two peaks within the 4641Da cluster. The chain lengths in each anti-parallel configuration are therefore 16 residues for 2320 and 2364, 15 residues for 2124 and 17 residues for 2402. As discussed herein the glycine residues are subject to varying degrees of hydroxylation, but the more constant parameter is the number of glycines per side. We propose calling the 16-residue entity Hemolithin 16, and the 15 or 17-residue entities Hemolithins 15 or 17.
The "evolution of more complex proteins" suggests a Darwinian selection process. Just to be clear, no one is suggesting that this particular protein, or mini-protein, or polypeptide was the result of DNA, RNA, or any other kind of replication process. So it's potential to "evolve" is really limited.jim mcnamara said:Assuming the hemolithin paper is not the result of an artifact, short sequences like this would reasonably be expected to arise in the course of the evolution of more complex proteins.
jim mcnamara said:@Ygggdrasil
FWIW -
In this thread
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/science-white-paper-on-miniproteins.979258/
There is a category of short and redundant amino acids sequences called miniproteins that are biologically active.
White paper:
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/10/new-universe-miniproteins-upending-cell-biology-and-genetics
Assuming the hemolithin paper is not the result of an artifact, short sequences like this would reasonably be expected to arise in the course of the evolution of more complex proteins. I am not so sure about the presence of the Lithium atom in the results. The mass fraction of Lithium is way down the list of elements ordered by abundance in the Universe, ditto the Solar System.
The discovery of the 'Hemolithin' protein series on an asteroid is significant because it challenges our understanding of the origins of life on Earth. This protein series has never been seen before and could potentially provide clues about the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
The 'Hemolithin' protein series was discovered by a team of researchers from Harvard University using state-of-the-art technology. They analyzed samples from an asteroid and found the unique protein series using mass spectrometry and other techniques.
This discovery has the potential to greatly impact the field of astrobiology as it opens up new possibilities for the existence of life beyond Earth. It also raises questions about the evolution of life and the potential for it to exist in extreme environments.
The discovery of the 'Hemolithin' protein series on an asteroid supports the theory of panspermia, which suggests that life on Earth may have originated from microorganisms or organic molecules transported from other planets or celestial bodies. This discovery provides evidence for the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its potential to travel through space.
The next steps for further research on the 'Hemolithin' protein series include studying its structure and function, as well as investigating its potential role in the origins of life. Scientists will also continue to search for other unique proteins and molecules on asteroids and other celestial bodies to further our understanding of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.