SLC4 family transporters in a marine diatom directly pump bicarbonate from seawater.

ABSTRACT: Photosynthesis in marine diatoms is a vital fraction of global primary production empowered by CO(2)-concentrating mechanisms. Acquisition of HCO(3)(-) from seawater is a critical primary step of the CO(2)-concentrating mechanism, allowing marine photoautotrophic eukaryotes to overcome CO(2) limitation in alkaline high-salinity water. However, little is known about molecular mechanisms governing this process. Here, we show the importance of a plasma membrane-type HCO(3)(-) transporter for CO(2) acquisition in a marine diatom. Ten putative solute carrier (SLC) family HCO(3)(-) transporter genes were found in the genome of the marine pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Homologs also exist in marine centric species, Thalassiosira pseudonana, suggesting a general occurrence of SLC transp

SUBMITTER: Nakajima K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3562803 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature