Cyanobacterial Genes in Protists Without Plastids
Author Information
Author(s): Maruyama Shinichiro, Matsuzaki Motomichi, Misawa Kazuharu, Nozaki Hisayoshi
Primary Institution: University of Tokyo
Hypothesis
How many genes have cyanobacterial ancestry in plastid-lacking protists, and is this ancestry limited to specific genes?
Conclusion
A significant number of genes with cyanobacterial ancestry have contributed to the genomes of plastid-lacking protists, particularly in bikonts.
Supporting Evidence
- 12 gene families with cyanobacterial ancestry were identified in various plastid-lacking eukaryotes.
- The study suggests that these genes may have originated from lateral gene transfer or ancient endosymbiosis.
- Phylogenetic analyses revealed a punctate distribution of these genes among eukaryotes.
Takeaway
Some tiny creatures that don't have chloroplasts still carry genes from ancient cyanobacteria, which might have helped them evolve.
Methodology
Phylogenomic analysis using genome sequence data from various plastid-lacking eukaryotes and constructing phylogenetic trees.
Limitations
The incompleteness of genome information and the complexity of phylogenetic methodologies make it challenging to interpret evolutionary scenarios.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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