Thalassiosira pseudonana
Classification
Eukaryota; Bacillariophyta; Coscinodiscophyceae; Thalassiosirales; Thalassiosiraceae [Others may be used. Use NCBI link to find]
pseudonana
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Thalassiosira pseudonana
Description and Significance
Thalassiosira psuedonana is a marine centric diatom. Diatoms are unicellular, eukaryotic, phytoplankton that display a unique evolutionary history and provide major ecological contributions in marine environments. Diatoms are capable of photosynthesis, having acquired plastids through secondary endosymbiosis of red algae. Having evolved 91.5 million years ago during the Upper Turonian period, analyses of these organisms display long-term contributions to deposits of diatomite, carbon cycling, global climate, and petroleum reserves. Today diatoms continue to have major ecological implications and are the most important marine phytoplankton in the oceans, generating up to 40% (45 to 50 billion metric tons) of the marine organic carbon produced each year. These diatoms continue to play a fundamental role in global carbon cycling and global climate by influencing the flow of carbon dioxide in the oceans.[2] As a result of the ecological importance of diatoms, T. psuedonana was the first diatom to undergo full genome sequencing. In addition, T. pseudonana have elaborate silicified cell wall nanostructures that may contribute to future study of silica nanotechnology. T. pseudonana diatoms display a unique combination of metabolic processes including genes for nitrogen fixation, the urea cycle, carbon fixation, iron uptake, and photosynthesis.
Genome Structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
References
Author
Page authored by _____, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at IndianaUniversity.
