How Sponges Evolved to Make Skeletons
Author Information
Author(s): Jackson Daniel J, Macis Luciana, Reitner Joachim, Wörheide Gert
Primary Institution: Georg-August-University of Göttingen
Hypothesis
Did sponges acquire a gene from bacteria that helps them form their skeletons?
Conclusion
The study shows that a protein important for sponge skeleton formation was acquired from bacteria through horizontal gene transfer.
Supporting Evidence
- The protein Spherulin was isolated from the sponge Astrosclera willeyana.
- Spherulin is expressed in cells that form the sponge's skeleton.
- The gene for Spherulin was found to be horizontally transferred from bacteria.
Takeaway
Sponges got a special gene from bacteria that helps them build their skeletons, which is really important for how they evolved.
Methodology
The researchers isolated a protein from sponge skeletons and analyzed its genetic origins using various molecular techniques.
Limitations
The study does not provide functional data for the Spherulin protein or methods to manipulate its expression in sponges.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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