In the course of evolution virtually all eukaryotes have established symbiosis with bacteria. lt is now evident that microorganisms, in particular bacteria, colonise not only most host surfaces (exosymbionts) but also reside within the cells of their hosts (endosymbionts). The close interactions between seemingly unrelated species is, in fact, a driving force for co-evolution and play a key role in shaping global ecological communities. Even though the interdependency of species is now widely accepted phenomenon, we have just begun to reveal the molecular mechanisms that govem establishing, regulating, and maintaining these intimate interactions. Life on Earth had possibly arisen as early as 4.28 billion years ago near submarinehydrothermal vents. Fuelled by constant flux of inorganic substrates and heat, the first inhabitants on Earth were thriving within inorganic microstructures, starkly resembling those of modern hydrothermal vents. Although it is not possible to address the biodiversity in this ancient microbial communities, we know that nowadays, these extreme environments host dynamic and interdependent biosystems of high complexity spanning the three domains oflife.
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