The stoichiometry of coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis: carbon and nitrogen cycles are balanced in the recycling and double translocation system.

ABSTRACT: Symbioses between microalgae and animal hosts have the advantage of acquiring and sharing autotrophically produced organic carbon (C) as their energy source. However, the stoichiometry and turnover rates of biological elements in symbioses are not fully understood because of complicated metabolic interactions. We report the first comprehensive and simultaneous measurement of C and nitrogen (N) flows through coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis by using the unique approach of dual-isotope labeling with ¹³C and ¹⁵N, in situ chasing, and isotope-mixing models. The coral autotrophy occurred with much lower C:N ratios than previously thought, and the autotrophically produced N-rich organic matter was efficiently transferred to the animal host through two different pathways. In c

SUBMITTER: Tanaka Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5864214 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature