Host Origin of Plastid Transporters in Photosynthetic Eukaryotes
Author Information
Author(s): Tyra Heather M, Marc Linka, Andreas P. M. Weber, Debashish Bhattacharya
Primary Institution: University of Iowa
Hypothesis
The re-targeting of existing host solute transporters to the plastid fore-runner was critical for the early success of the primary endosymbiosis.
Conclusion
The existing plastid solute transport system shared by Plantae is primarily derived from host genes, with contributions from cyanobacterial endosymbionts and Chlamydia-like bacteria.
Supporting Evidence
- 58% of Arabidopsis transporters are of host origin.
- Only 12% of transporters arose from the cyanobacterial endosymbiont.
- Four transporter genes are derived from a Chlamydia-like source.
Takeaway
Plants got most of their transporter proteins from their ancestors, not just from the bacteria that became their plastids.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analysis of 83 conserved transporter proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana to determine their origins.
Limitations
The study may have missed some Plantae transporters specific to red or green algae and lacks significant data from glaucophytes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website