The role of quinones as biomarker in evolution of archaea

Quinones are a group of lipids linked to membrane and play as a electron carrier in electron transport chain of all creatures. The main classes of these compounds are ubiquinones, menaquinones and plastoquinones. Menaquinones exist in bacteria and archaea. Based on membrane lipid analysis and polymerase chain reaction, quinones introduce a special taxonomy profile in microbial biomass of environmental samples. The purpose of this study was the role of quinones as biomarker in evolution of archaea. Nowadays, oxidative reductive conditions considered as important factors in occur of quinones in microorganisms. In addition, function of quinones in electron transport chain associated to compatibility of membrane with environmental stresses. Therefore, quinones could be considered as biomarker lipids to investigate microbial interactions. In this regard, menaquinone synthesis existed in archaea and bacteria ancestors. This idea supported by low reductive potential of menaquione in archaeal ancestor. Therefore, variety of quinones in Archaea spp. Lead us to obtain more information concerning to evolution of Archaea. It means variety characters of quinones in Archaea spp. associated with their strategy for compatible and survival. Therefore, different structures of quinones in Archaea could give us valuable information concerning to archaeal taxonomy.