Do A. elegantissima and S. muscatinei synchronize their growth rates?
Within its gastrodermal layer, A. elengatissima
can host the symbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium muscatinei.
Despite extremely variable conditions in the intertidal zone, the
density of S. muscatinei in A. elengatissima's tissues
remains relatively constant year-round (Dimond et al., 2011). To
maintain this consistent density, the symbiotic partners must be able
to communicate to regulate the symbiont density. A. elegantissima
controls symbiont density by expelling excess symbionts (McCloskey et
al., 1996), but this may be energetically costly. A more effective way
to regulate density may be to synchronize the partner cell cycles (and
growth rates) so that symbiont density remains constant despite
seasonal variation in light and temperature.
Page Updated
06.12.2012
Copyright ©
2013
Western Washington University
Within its gastrodermal layer, A. elengatissima
can host the symbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium muscatinei.
Despite extremely variable conditions in the intertidal zone, the
density of S. muscatinei in A. elengatissima's tissues
remains relatively constant year-round (Dimond et al., 2011). To
maintain this consistent density, the symbiotic partners must be able
to communicate to regulate the symbiont density. A. elegantissima
controls symbiont density by expelling excess symbionts (McCloskey et
al., 1996), but this may be energetically costly. A more effective way
to regulate density may be to synchronize the partner cell cycles (and
growth rates) so that symbiont density remains constant despite
seasonal variation in light and temperature.