Distinct iron acquisition strategies in oceanic and coastal variants of the mixotrophic dinoflagellate Karlodinium.

ABSTRACT: The availability of the micronutrient iron is important in regulating phytoplankton growth across much of the world's oceans, particularly in the high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll regions. Compared to known mechanisms of iron acquisition and conservation in autotrophic protists (e.g. diatoms), those of dinoflagellates remain unclear, despite their frequent presence in offshore iron-limited waters. Here, we investigate the strategies of an ecologically important mixotrophic dinoflagellate to coping with low iron conditions. Coupled gene expression and physiological responses as a function of iron availability were examined in oceanic and coastal strains of the dinoflagellate Karlodinium. Under iron-replete conditions, grazing was only detected in coastal variants, resulting in faster growth ra

SUBMITTER: Jang SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12161497 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature