Uncovering the genetic basis for early isogamete differentiation: a case study of Ectocarpus siliculosus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The phenomenon of sexual reproduction characterizes nearly all eukaryotes, with anisogamy being the most prevalent form of gamete discrimination. Since dimorphic gametes most likely descend from equal-sized specialized germ cells, identifying the genetic bases of the early functional diversification in isogametes can provide better understanding of the evolution of sexual dimorphism. However, despite the potential importance to the evolutionary biology field, no comprehensive survey of the transcriptome profiling in isomorphic gametes has been reported hitherto.

Results

Gamete differentiation on the genomic level was investigated using Ectocarpus siliculosus, a model organism for brown algal lineage which displays an isogamous sexual reproduction cycle. Transcript

SUBMITTER: Lipinska AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3879662 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature