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Optimization and Comparative Analysis of Plant Organellar DNA Enrichment Methods Suitable for Next-generation Sequencing

Optimization and Comparative Analysis of Plant Organellar DNA Enrichment Methods Suitable for Next-generation Sequencing

Published on: July 28, 2017

Organelle evolution: what's in a name?

Patrick J Keeling¹, John M Archibald

¹The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Integrated Microbial Biodiversity Program, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada. pkeeling@interchange.ubc.ca

Current Biology : CB

|April 24, 2008

Summary

The evolution of plastids from cyanobacteria is complex. A new genome study of Paulinella chromatophora suggests the lines between endosymbiont and organelle can blur.

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Visualization of Endoplasmic Reticulum Subdomains in Cultured Cells

Visualization of Endoplasmic Reticulum Subdomains in Cultured Cells

Published on: February 18, 2014

Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Cell biology
Microbial genomics

Background:

Plastids, essential organelles for photosynthesis in eukaryotes, originated from cyanobacterial endosymbionts.
The evolutionary trajectory from endosymbiont to established organelle is generally considered well-understood.
Recent discoveries prompt re-evaluation of established evolutionary pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the evolutionary status of the photosynthetic symbiont in Paulinella chromatophora.
To analyze the complete genome sequence of this recently evolved photosynthetic entity.
To explore the blurring boundaries between endosymbiont and organelle definitions.

Main Methods:

Whole-genome sequencing of the photosynthetic symbiont in Paulinella chromatophora.
Comparative genomics to analyze gene content and evolutionary relationships.
Bioinformatic analysis of genomic data.

Main Results:

The genome sequence provides novel insights into the evolutionary stage of the Paulinella chromatophora symbiont.
Analysis reveals characteristics that challenge traditional distinctions between endosymbionts and organelles.
The findings highlight a dynamic evolutionary process in action.

Conclusions:

The study of Paulinella chromatophora necessitates a nuanced understanding of endosymbiosis and organelle evolution.
The distinction between 'endosymbiont' and 'organelle' may not always be clear-cut.
This research contributes to understanding the continuum of symbiotic integration.