SYMBIODINIUM (PYRRHOPHYTA) GENOME SIZES (DNA CONTENT) ARE SMALLEST AMONG DINOFLAGELLATES

Using flow cytometric analysis of fluorescence, we measured the genome sizes of 18 cultured 'free-living' species and 29 Symbiodinium spp. isolates cultured from stony corals, gorgonians, anemones, jellyfish, and giant clams. Genome size directly correlated with cell size, as documented pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of phycology 2005-08, Vol.41 (4), p.880-886
Main Authors: LaJeunesse, Todd C., Lambert, Georgina, Andersen, Robert A., Coffroth, Mary Alice, Galbraith, David W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
C-values
dinoflagellates
genome size
Marine
Symbiodinium
zooxanthellae
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Summary:Using flow cytometric analysis of fluorescence, we measured the genome sizes of 18 cultured 'free-living' species and 29 Symbiodinium spp. isolates cultured from stony corals, gorgonians, anemones, jellyfish, and giant clams. Genome size directly correlated with cell size, as documented previously for most eukaryotic cell lines. Among the smallest of dinoflagellates, Symbiodinium spp. (6-15 mu m) possessed the lowest DNA content that we measured (1.5-4.8 pg.cell super(-1)). Bloom-forming or potentially harmful species in the genera Alexandrium, Karenia, Pfiesteria, and Prorocentrum possessed genomes approximately 2 to 50 times larger in size. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that genome-cell size has apparently increased and decreased repeatedly during the evolution of dinoflagellates. In contrast, genome sizes were relatively consistent across distantly and closely related Symbiodinium spp. This may be the product of intracellular host habitats imposing strong selective pressures that have restricted symbiont size.
ISSN:0022-3646
1529-8817
DOI:10.1111/j.0022-3646.2005.04231.x