Identification of a new gene family expressed during the onset of sexual reproduction in the centric diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii

Article Abstract:

A PCR-based cDNA subtraction method was employed to determine the genes that are expressed as small cells of the centric diatom Thalassiosira weissflogi initiate gametogenesis. Three of the sexually induced genes, Sig1, Sig2 and Sig3, were sequenced to completion and are members of a unique gene family. The three polypeptides encoded by these genes have different molecular masses and charges but have many common characteristics. It was observed that the SIG polypeptides may play a role in sperm-egg recognition.

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Succession and diel transcriptional response of the glycolate-utilizing component of the bacterial community during a spring phytoplankton bloom

Article Abstract:

The effect of the phytoplankton-specific organic compound glycolate on bacterial community structure is examined during a spring phytoplankton bloom. The analysis has supplied an evidence for direct phytoplankton-bacterium interactions and the resulting succession in a single functional group of marine bacteria.

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Rapid evolution of a sexual reproduction gene in centric diatoms of the genus Thalassiosira

Article Abstract:

There is a high level of divergence in the Sig1 gene of Thalassiosira spp. This gene appears to code for a protein involved in gamete recognition, since it is upregulated during sexual reproduction in this diatom. The high divergence indicates that the gene is rapidly evolving.

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