Symbiotic Partnership Between Algae and Animals That Powers Coral Reefs

Grant number: DP160101539 | Funding period: 2016 - 2019

Completed

Abstract

This project aims to unlock the molecular basis of a partnership between a microscopic plant and an animal that powers coral growth. Most corals depend on microscopic algae living inside their bodies to nourish them. Most corals have to recruit new algae each time they reproduce, but only a particular strain of algae is accepted. This project aims to establish how anemones and corals identify and take in the right alga, how the alga gives them food, and how the animal hosts regulate growth of their algae to optimise food production but avoid being overrun by algae. Understanding the partnership that drives reef growth and survival may better equip us to protect this threatened resource.

Related publications (6)

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A candidate transporter allowing symbiotic dinoflagellates to feed their coral hosts

K Maor-Landaw, M Eisenhut, G Tortorelli, A van de Meene, S Kurz, G Segal, MJH van Oppen, APM Weber, GI McFadden

2023-12-01

The symbiotic partnership between corals and dinoflagellate algae is crucial to coral reefs. Corals provide their algal symbionts ..

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Cell surface carbohydrates of symbiotic dinoflagellates and their role in the establishment of cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis

G Tortorelli, C Rautengarten, A Bacic, G Segal, B Ebert, SK Davy, MJH van Oppen, GI McFadden

2022-01-01

Symbiodiniaceae algae are often photosymbionts of reef-building corals. The establishment of their symbiosis resembles a microbial..

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Cell wall proteomic analysis of the cnidarian photosymbionts Breviolum minutum and Cladocopium goreaui

G Tortorelli, CA Oakley, SK Davy, MJH van Oppen, GI McFadden

2022-01-01

The algal cell wall is an important cellular component that functions in defense, nutrient utilization, signaling, adhesion, and c..

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Exaiptasia diaphana from the great barrier reef: a valuable resource for coral symbiosis research

Ashley M Dungan, Leon M Hartman, Giada Tortorelli, Roy Belderok, Annika M Lamb, Lynn Pisan, Geoffrey I McFadden, Linda L Blackall, Madeleine JH van Oppen

2020-02-06

The sea anemone, Exaiptasia diaphana, previously known as Exaiptasia pallida or Aiptasia pallida, has become increasingly popular ..

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Host Genotypic Effect on Algal Symbiosis Establishment in the Coral Model, the Anemone Exaiptasia diaphana, From the Great Barrier Reef

G Tortorelli, R Belderok, SK Davy, GI McFadden, MJH van Oppen

2020-01-22

The mutualistic symbiosis between cnidarians and photosynthetic dinoflagellates supports one of the most diverse ecosystems on the..

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Symbiotic lifestyle triggers drastic changes in the gene expression of the algal endosymbiont Breviolum minutum (Symbiodiniaceae)

K Maor-Landaw, MJH van Oppen, GI McFadden

2020-01-01

Coral–dinoflagellate symbiosis underpins the evolutionary success of corals reefs. Successful exchange of molecules between the cn..

University of Melbourne Researchers