Algal genes in aplastidic eukaryotes are not necessarily derived from historical plastids

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jinling Huang (Creator)
Jipei Yue (Creator)
Institution
East Carolina University (ECU )
Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: In photosynthetic eukaryotes, many genes were transferred from plastids or algal endosymbionts to nuclear genomes of host cells. These transferred genes are often considered genetic footprints of plastids. However, genes of algal origin have also been detected in some plastid-lacking eukaryotes, and these genes are often cited as evidence of historical plastids. In this paper, we discuss two recent publications about algal genes in plastid-lacking eukaryotes. Both studies highlight the point that algal genes are not exclusively derived from historical plastids. Instead, the findings show that gene acquisition through feeding activities is a plausible explanation.

Additional Information

Publication
Other
Mobile Genetic Elements; 2:4 p. 193-196
Language: English
Date: 2012
Keywords
endosymbiosis, gene transfer, phagotroph, photosynthetic eukaryotes

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Algal genes in aplastidic eukaryotes are not necessarily derived from historical plastidshttp://hdl.handle.net/10342/5461The described resource references, cites, or otherwise points to the related resource.