Uric acid deposits in symbiotic marine algae

P.L. Clode; M. Saunders; G.L. Maker; M. Ludwig; C.A. Atkins

doi:10.1111/j.1365-3040.2008.01909.x

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Uric acid deposits in symbiotic marine algae

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Uric acid deposits in symbiotic marine algae

P.L. Clode, M. Saunders, G.L. Maker, M. Ludwig and C.A. Atkins

Plant, Cell & Environment, Vol.32(2), pp.170-177

2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3040.2008.01909.x

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Abstract

The symbiosis between cnidarians and dinoflagellate algae is not understood at the cell or molecular level, yet this relationship is responsible for the formation of thousands of square kilometres of coral reefs. We have investigated the nature of crystalline material prominent within marine algal symbionts of Aiptasia sp. anemones. This material, which has historically been considered to be calcium oxalate, is shown to be uric acid. We demonstrate that these abundant uric acid stores can be mobilized rapidly, thereby allowing the algal symbionts to flourish in an otherwise N-poor environment. This is the first report of uric acid accumulation by symbiotic marine algae. These data provide new insight and considerations for understanding the physiological basis of algal symbioses, and represent a new and previously unconsidered aspect of N metabolism in cnidarian, and a variety of other, marine symbioses.

Details

Title: Uric acid deposits in symbiotic marine algae
Authors/Creators: P.L. Clode (Author/Creator) - Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis,
M. Saunders (Author/Creator) - Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis,
G.L. Maker (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
M. Ludwig (Author/Creator) - School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences and
C.A. Atkins (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
Publication Details: Plant, Cell & Environment, Vol.32(2), pp.170-177
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Identifiers: 991005541238107891
Copyright: 2008 The Authors
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Pharmacy
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.2 Marine Biology; 3.2.570 Coral Reef Ecology
Web Of Science research areas: Plant Sciences
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science