Genetic Regulation in the Aiptasia Pallida Symboisis.
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify differences in expressed genes in algae that live as symbionts in sea anemones. We compared several characteristics of algae as they lived in host tissue with those of the same-algae when grown in culture outside of the host. The cultured algae exhibited none of the carbon release that is characteristic of symbionts living in the host. However, if the cultured algae were grown in host tissue, they developed normal release patterns within two months. Nutrient supply for the algae may have been responsible for these differences. Phosphatase enzyme patterns also differed between the cultured and the symbiotic states, and these appeared to reflect differences in pH environment. Cultured symbionts were much less infective in host tissue than freshly isolated symbionts. Ultrastructural evidence indicated that this was related to differences in cell surface structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 20, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA366103
Entities
People
- Clayton B. Cook
Organizations
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute