Symbiodiniaceae Are the First Site of Heterotrophic Nitrogen Assimilation in Reef-Building Corals
Stephane Martinez, Renaud Grover, David M. Baker, Christine Ferrier‐Pagès
Abstract
N-labeling of plankton to show that heterotrophy underpinned the nutrition of Symbiodinaceae. Symbionts received either heterotrophically acquired amino acids or recycled ammonium due to their association with the coral host. This study brought new insight into the nutrient exchanges in coral-Symbiodiniaceae associations and allowed a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in coral resistance to environmental stress.
Topics & Concepts
Assimilation (phonology)HeterotrophReefNitrogen assimilationOceanographyNitrogenEnvironmental scienceEcologyBiologyGeologyChemistryBacteriaPaleontologyPhilosophyNitrateOrganic chemistryLinguisticsCoral and Marine Ecosystems StudiesMarine and coastal plant biologyMarine and fisheries research