Complex life cycles of multicellular eukaryotes: new approaches based on the use of model organisms.
A wide variety of life cycles can be found in the different groups of multicellular eukaryotes. Here we provide an overview of this variety, and review some of the theoretical arguments that have been put forward to explain the evolutionary stability of different life cycle strategies. We also describe recent progress in the analysis of the haploid-diploid life cycle of the model angiosperm Arabidopsis thaliana and show how new molecular data are providing a means to test some of the theoretical predictions. Finally, we describe an emerging model organism from the brown algae, Ectocarpus siliculosus, and highlight the potential of this system for the investigation of the mechanisms that regulate complex life cycles.
Coelho
Susana M
SM
The Marine Plants and Biomolecules Laboratory, UMR 7139 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier, BP74, 29682 Roscoff Cedex, France.
Peters
Akira F
AF
Charrier
Bénédicte
B
Roze
Denis
D
Destombe
Christophe
C
Valero
Myriam
M
Cock
J Mark
JM
D000818:Animals; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000254:growth & development; D044822:Biodiversity; D000460:Chlorophyta / Q000254:growth & development; D004463:Ecology; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells; D005260:Female; D017343:Genes, Plant; D005854:Germ Cells; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D008957:Models, Genetic; D000459:Phaeophyceae / Q000254:growth & development; D063245:Plant Development; D011003:Ploidies; D013170:Spores