The selfish ribosome
Abstract
The ribosome is responsible for protein synthesis in all cells, and is the cell's largest energy consumer. We propose that the ribosome originated as a mutualistic symbiont of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase ribozyme, supplying peptides that enhanced replication. As life transitioned from the RNA to the RNA-protein world, autonomous replicators became irreversibly addicted to the ribosome for producing replication proteins. Subsequent evolution is construed as a ribosomal takeover, whereby the ribosome evolved to consume most of the cell's resources, while other cellular componentry ensured the propagation of the ribosome, while being fully dependent on it. Under this perspective, the ribosome is a complex symbiont of the cell with pronounced selfish properties.
Fields of Study & Subjects
RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
Origins and Evolution of Life
RNA modifications and cancer
Publication details
- Journal / source
- PLoS Biology
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Volume
- 24
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- e3003780–e3003780
- Publication date
- 21 April 2026
- Language
- EN