The Adaptation of Complexity in the Evolution of Macromolecules

Enzymes are on the front lines of evolution. All living organisms rely on highly efficient, specific enzymes for growth, sustenance, and reproduction; and many diseases are a consequence of a mutation on an enzyme that affects its catalytic function. It follows that the function of an enzyme affects the fitness of an organism, but just as rightfully true, the function of an enzyme affects the fitness of itself. Understanding how the complexity of enzyme structure relates to its essential function will unveil the fundamental mechanisms of evolution, and, perhaps, shed light on strategies used by ancient replicators. This paper presents evidence that supports the hypothesis that enzymes, and proteins in general, are the manifestation of the coevolution of two opposing forces. The synthesis of enzyme architecture, stability, function, evolutionary relationships, and evolvability shows that the complexity of macromolecules is a consequence of the function it provides.