Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
10:41
Leveraging CyVerse Resources for De Novo Comparative Transcriptomics of Underserved Non-model Organisms
Published on: May 9, 2017
9.6K
realDB: a genome and transcriptome resource for the red algae (phylum Rhodophyta)
Fei Chen1, Jiawei Zhang1, Junhao Chen1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Corps, Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Haixia Applied Plant Systems Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
Summary
A new database, realDB, now offers extensive genomic and transcriptomic data for red algae (Rhodophyta). This resource enhances accessibility to omics data and tools for studying these ecologically important organisms.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Red algae (Rhodophyta) comprise over 6000 species with significant ecological and evolutionary importance.
- Genomic data for red algae is under-represented in public databases, hindering comparative analyses.
- Limited omics data restricts research into red algal biology, ecology, and evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance accessibility of red algal genomic and transcriptomic data.
- To provide a comprehensive resource for red algae research.
- To develop user-friendly omics analysis tools for Rhodophyta.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing and de novo assembly of 10 red algal genomes and 27 transcriptomes.
- Annotation of assembled genomic and transcriptomic data.
- Development of an online platform (realDB) with BLAST, JBrowse, and search functionalities.
Main Results:
- realDB provides the most extensive collection of red algal genome and transcriptome data to date.
- The database represents all seven classes of Rhodophyta.
- Integrated bioinformatics tools facilitate online data analysis and exploration.
Conclusions:
- realDB significantly improves access to red algal omics data and analysis tools.
- The platform supports research in red algal biology, ecology, evolution, and development.
- realDB is a valuable resource for the scientific community studying Rhodophyta.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Red Algae
1.0K
Red algae, also known as rhodophytes, are primarily found in marine environments, though some species inhabit freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. These organisms exist in both unicellular and multicellular forms, with some multicellular varieties reaching macroscopic sizes.As phototrophic organisms, red algae contain chlorophyll a; however, their chloroplasts lack chlorophyll b. Instead, they possess phycobiliproteins, which serve as major light-harvesting pigments, similar to those found in...
1.0K
01:19Other Algae
500
The group Stramenopiles include some phototrophic microorganisms. Members of this group possess flagella covered in numerous short, hairlike extensions, a feature that inspired the group's name, derived from the Latin words for "straw" and "hair." Some of the main categories of Stramenopiles include diatoms, golden algae, and brown algae.Diatoms are unicellular, photosynthetic eukaryotes, with over 200 known genera. They play a key role in the planktonic communities of both marine and...
500
01:28Overview of Algae
936
The kingdom Archaeplastida encompasses red and green algae, along with land plants. Unlike other protists with chloroplasts that arose through secondary endosymbiosis, only red and green algae originated from primary endosymbiotic events. This diverse group of eukaryotic organisms contains chlorophyll and performs oxygenic photosynthesis.Algae exist in various forms, from large brown kelp in coastal waters to green scum in puddles and stains on rocks or soil. Some species are responsible for...
936
02:12Short-distance Transport of Resources
17.7K
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.
17.7K
01:21Green Algae
860
Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
860
03:21Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes
9.2K
While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
9.2K