Fascinating single-cell red algae: models for evolution and adaptation

The unicellular red algae, Cyanidiophyceae, that diverged early during Archaeplastida (algal and plant) evolution, occupy a variety of extreme habitats that are inhospitable for most other eukaryotes. With the use of modern genomics and genetics methods, Cyanidiophyceae show a remarkable taxonomic diversity, share haplodiplophasic life cycles, and are engaged in complex trophic interactions with microbes that occupy geothermal niches. Amenable to molecular engineering, Cyanidiophyceae are excellent models for understanding evolutionary mechanisms that underpin their extremophilic lifestyles. Their unique growth conditions make these choice red algae of high interest for biotechnological exploitation in environments unsuitable for crops.