Reference library
Evolution of sodium channels predates the origin of nervous systems in animals.
Paper summary
Finds sodium-channel-related genes in a single-celled animal relative and compares channel sequences across early-diverging animals. Phylogenetic and molecular evidence suggests these channels predate nervous systems.
Relevance to the project
Supports reuse and repurposing of existing mechanisms rather than assuming every neural capability arose for its current function. Relevant to evolving builders and mechanism combinations.
Gene homology alone does not specify ancestral physiology.
Source record
- Reference ID
- pmc-pmc3107268
- Archived version
- Publisher/repository PDF linked by Europe PMC; see source
- Summary provenance
- reference-library/papers/pmc-pmc3107268/metadata.json · summary
- Review status
- initial orientation summary; not a critical full-paper review
- Reading scope
- Selected abstract/opening and available closing discussion/conclusion passages in the preserved text extract; broader project notes provide context. No reproduction of experiments, exhaustive methods review, or equation/figure audit.