Substantial intraspecific genome size variation in golden-brown algae and its phenotypic consequences.

摘要: BACKGROUND AND AIMS While nuclear DNA content variation and its phenotypic consequences have been well described for animals, vascular plants macroalgae, much less about this topic is known regarding unicellular algae protists in general. The dearth of data especially pronounced when it comes to intraspecific genome size variation. This study attempts investigate the extent variability adaptive a microalgal species. METHODS Propidium iodide flow cytometry was used estimate absolute 131 strains (isolates) golden-brown alga Synura petersenii (Chrysophyceae, Stramenopiles), identified by identical internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA barcodes. Cell size, growth rate genomic GC were further assessed on sub-set strains. Geographic location 67 sampling sites across Northern hemisphere extract climatic database evaluate ecogeographical distribution diversity. KEY RESULTS Genome ranged continuously from 0.97 2.02 pg investigated positively associated with cell negatively rate. Bioclim variables not correlated No clear trends geographical particular detected, different occasionally coexisted at same locality. Genomic significantly only via quadratic relationship. CONCLUSIONS S. probably triggered an evolutionary mechanism operating gradual changes accompanied content, such as, example, proliferation transposable elements. reflected relative rate, possibly consequences.