Plastid evolution: gene transfer and the maintenance of 'stolen' organelles.
Many heterotrophic organisms sequester plastids from prey algae and temporarily utilize their photosynthetic capacity. A recent article in BMC Genomics reveals that the dinoflagellate Dinophysis acuminata has acquired photosynthesis-related genes by horizontal gene transfer, which might explain its ability to retain 'stolen' plastids for extended periods of time. See research article http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2164/11/366.
Kim
Eunsoo
E
Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3 H 1X5, Canada.
Archibald
John M
JM
D005075:Biological Evolution; D004141:Dinoflagellida / Q000235:genetics*; D022761:Gene Transfer, Horizontal / Q000235:genetics*; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D018087:Plastids / Q000235:genetics*; D013559:Symbiosis