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www.solid-earth-discuss.net/3/769/2011/
doi:10.5194/sed-3-769-2011
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The regulation of the air: a hypothesis
1Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
2Sansom Institute, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Abstract. We propose the hypothesis that natural selection, acting on the specificity of rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) for carbon dioxide over oxygen, has controlled the CO2:O2 ratio of the atmosphere since the evolution of photosynthesis and has also sustained the Earth's greenhouse-set surface temperature. Rubisco works in partnership with the nitrogen-fixing enzyme nitrogenase to control atmospheric pressure. Together, these two enzymes control global surface temperature and indirectly the pH and oxygenation of the ocean. Thus, the co-evolution of these two enzymes may have produced clement conditions on the Earth's surface, allowing life to be sustained.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 858 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 13 Comments) Final Revised Paper (SE)
Notice on Discussion StatusCitation: Nisbet, E. G., Fowler, C. M. R., and Nisbet, R. E. R.: The regulation of the air: a hypothesis, Solid Earth Discuss., 3, 769-788, doi:10.5194/sed-3-769-2011, 2011. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
