> to verify something you have to show that it can be done. Speculation about a possible evolutionary path from TTSS to flagellum doesn't show that it can be done.
Really? Which of the steps described is counter to physical possibility?
> What would it mean if the TTSS preceded the flagellum?
That the TTSS existed first, at least for that particular bacterium. Not exactly something that would shake the pillers of science.
So if something is possible, it's verified?
That the TTSS existed first, at least for that particular bacterium.
No, it would mean it existed before all eubacterial flagella. Now, what is the purpose of the TTSS?