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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...
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Anoxygenic photosynthesis is a phototrophic process that captures light energy to drive carbon fixation without producing molecular oxygen. Unlike oxygenic photosynthesis, which utilizes water as an electron donor and releases oxygen, anoxygenic phototrophs use alternative electron donors such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), elemental sulfur (S⁰), or thiosulfate (S₂O₃²⁻). This process is carried out by diverse groups of bacteria, including purple bacteria, green...
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Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
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Acquired Phototrophy as an Evolutionary Path to Mixotrophy.

Alexandra L Brown, Grace A Casarez, Holly V Moeller

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    This summary is machine-generated.

    Acquired photosynthesis can turn heterotrophic life into autotrophs. Environmental conditions and physiological trade-offs determine if lineages evolve phototrophy or kleptoplasty, impacting evolutionary trajectories.

    Keywords:
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    Area of Science:

    • Evolutionary biology
    • Endosymbiosis research
    • Photosynthesis

    Background:

    • Acquired photosynthesis enables heterotrophic organisms to become autotrophic.
    • Transient chloroplast acquisition offers insights into endosymbiosis and organelle retention.
    • Kleptoplasty, the stealing of chloroplasts, serves as a model for evolutionary intermediates.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate environmental conditions favoring chloroplast retention evolutionarily.
    • To model the eco-evolutionary dynamics of kleptoplastidic lineages.
    • To understand the role of trade-offs in shaping evolutionary endpoints.

    Main Methods:

    • Eco-evolutionary modeling approach.
    • Adaptive dynamics analysis.
    • Simulation of environmental factors and physiological trade-offs.

    Main Results:

    • Identified a spectrum of evolutionarily stable strategies: phagotrophy, phototrophy, and obligate kleptoplasty.
    • Low-light environments and weak trade-offs favor phototrophy.
    • Strong trade-offs between chloroplast retention and digestion favor obligate kleptoplasty.

    Conclusions:

    • Environmental niche and pre-existing physiological trade-offs are critical constraints on evolutionary pathways.
    • Obligate kleptoplasty can be an evolutionary endpoint under specific trade-off conditions.
    • The study clarifies the conditions under which transient photosynthesis can lead to stable autotrophy.