Table des matières
Chapter I. Uneven development of the science of bacteriology
- 1. The importance of pathogenic bacteria in the early developments of bacteriology
- 2. Progressive discovery of generalized solidarity among prokaryotes
- a) Mixed communities with division of labor
- b) Horizontal gene exchanges
- 3. Modifying the old concept of bacteria
- 4. Changes in the perception of prokaryotes’ evolution
- 5. Discovery of the archaebacteria (Archaea)
- 6. The prokaryotic world: a unified and essential element of life on our planet
- 7. Many biologists are not sufficiently aware of the unique characteristics of the prokaryotic world
Chapter II. Major characteristics of the prokaryotic world
- 1. Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Functions
- a) The cell wall of prokaryotes
- b) The bacterial plasmic (inner) membrane is a multi-purpose organ
- c) Prokaryotic ribosomes differ from those of eukaryotes
- d) Capsules and glycocalyces
- e) DNA in the prokaryotic cell
- f) Prokaryotic spores are a survival form of extraordinary resistance
- 2. Dominant role of generalized solidarity in the life of prokaryotes
- a) Mutually-supportive associations among different prokaryotic cells in local communities
- Ruminants and the rumen ecosystem
- Dynamics of the rumen ecosystem as a prokaryotic model of association or ectosymbiosis
- b) Scope and importance of gene exchanges between different prokaryotic cells: A general way of solving problems and adapting to temporary changes
- b1) Transformation
- b2) Small replicons
- The ST plasmids
- The prophages
- Transformation and small replicons support a global free market of genes for all prokaryotes
- 3. The prokaryotic entity forms one planetary biologic System or superorganism
Chapter III. Original, non-Darwinian evolution of prokaryotes
- 1. Ways in which errors in the division of the earliest cells could be prevented or compensated for
- 2. Variety and diversification inside the early global prokaryotic clone
- 3. Prokaryotic cells evolved and progressed together towards both high specialization and easy complementarity
- 4. The appearance of the bacterial cell wall and of transformation
- 5. Small replicons became the most efficient basic elements of a prokaryotic global communication System
- 6. The global prokaryotic superorganism (or biologic System) as a unique type of clonal entity; there are no prokaryotic species
- 7. Role of prokaryotes in the origin and subsequent evolution of eukaryotes
- 8. The prokaryotes were and remain the most influential biological factor in the development and maintenance of our biosphere