The Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA)
At the root of the tree of life lies the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA), the ancient organism from which all modern life descended. Genomic studies have begun to unravel the genetic makeup and metabolic pathways likely present in LUCA, offering a window into life’s earliest chapter. Although LUCA was not the very first life form, understanding its biology helps scientists trace the evolutionary steps that led from simple molecules to the rich diversity we see today.