Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2025
09:47
A Standardized Procedure for Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms in Chile by Metabarcoding Analysis
Published on: August 26, 2021
5.3K
Extreme genome diversity and cryptic speciation in a harmful algal-bloom-forming eukaryote
Jennifer H Wisecaver1, Robert P Auber1, Amanda L Pendleton1
1Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, 175 S University St, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, 175 S University St, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|May 24, 2023
Summary
Harmful algal blooms caused by Prymnesium parvum show significant genetic diversity. This study reveals extensive genome size variation and identifies multiple cryptic species within this harmful algal bloom-forming organism.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Genomics
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by the toxic haptophyte Prymnesium parvum are a global issue.
- Strains of P. parvum exhibit variation in toxin production and physiology, but the genetic underpinnings are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genome diversity within the morphospecies P. parvum.
- To explore the genetic basis for variations in toxin production and physiological traits.
Main Methods:
- Generated genome assemblies for 15 diverse P. parvum strains.
- Utilized Hi-C guided, near-chromosome-level assemblies for two strains.
- Performed comparative genomic, syntenic, and phylogenetic analyses.
Main Results:
- Discovered substantial DNA content variation (115–845 Mbp) across strains, including haploids, diploids, and polyploids.
- Identified significant differences in haploid genome size (up to 243 Mbp) between chemotypes.
- Revealed that the common lab strain UTEX 2797 is a hybrid with two distinct haplotypes.
- Found gene families related to toxin biosynthesis and transposable elements varied across strains.
Conclusions:
- Prymnesium parvum represents a complex of multiple cryptic species.
- The generated genomic resources offer a framework for studying the eco-physiological impacts of P. parvum genetic variation.
- Highlights the need for similar genomic studies for other HAB-forming species.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Red Algae
68
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...
68
01:31Formation of Species
39.5K
Speciation describes the formation of one or more new species from one or sometimes multiple original species. The resulting species are discrete from the parent species, and barriers to reproduction will typically exist. There are two primary mechanisms, speciation with and without geographic isolation—allopatric and sympatric speciation, respectively.
39.5K
02:16Genetics of Speciation
19.4K
Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.
19.4K
01:15Diversity of Protists I
50
Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
50
01:27Diversity of Protists II
64
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
64
01:27Diversity of Protists III
64
Rhizaria are a diverse group of unicellular protists characterized by their threadlike cytoplasmic extensions known as pseudopodia. These structures aid in both locomotion and feeding, giving Rhizaria an amoeboid appearance. Their amoeboid morphology once led to taxonomic confusion, but molecular phylogenetics has clarified their evolutionary placement and emphasized their shared use of pseudopodia despite divergent lineages.This clade comprises diverse lineages such as Chlorarachniophyta,...
64