We think YES.
Check our newly published paper
(In essence I am super behind announcing these results)
We have found that 60 bp linear DNA strands adsorbed to mineral surfaces can provide environmental bacteria with an evolutionary advantage. We argue that mineral facilitated horizontal gene transfer both serves as an unrecognized pathway for evolution of life and challenges the traditional view of evolution.
We have adsorbed 60 bp DNA strands on a range of common mineral surfaces and show that the soil bacterium (A. Baylyi), are able to gain a metabolic advantage by incorporating the adsorbed genes. In contrast to free DNA suspended in the water column, mineral adsorbed DNA can be preserved for extended time scales. The minerals are key, and besides stabilization of the adsorbed DNA, the minerals surfaces can also serve as shuttles, transporting the adsorbed DNA to distant environments through sedimentary pathways. Through such transport and sedimentation, the DNA can be introduced to new environments where local bacteria can benefit from upstream innovations. The ability of minerals to connect genes and bacteria across time scales allow old innovation to be found by modern microbes.
Our findings challenge the traditional view of evolution where adaptations are driven solely by random mutations. We demonstrated that environmental changes could directly trigger the need to mutate as well as provide the genetic innovation. For example, when a flood releases DNA from stress-adapted microbes, it gives contemporary species access to survival-enhancing traits precisely when they face similar stresses.
– I have not yet gotten tired of pondering about the implications. As a geologist it is wonderful to highlight that life and geology may well be intertwined far more deeply than previously understood.
Catching up with the eventful 2024 . #2/5
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