Project Detail

Role of phytochrome in gametogenesis and reproduction patterns in unicellular algae.

Name:	Role of phytochrome in gametogenesis and reproduction patterns in unicellular algae.
Researchers:	Přibyl Pavel (researcher)
Provider:	Grantová agentura České republiky
Number:	P501/10/P157
Realization from:	2010
Realization to:	2011
Summary:	It seems that sexual reproduction in many microalgae has been overlooked due to their not adequate examination. Recently we described sexual reproduction in some species of Sphaeropleales and zoosporogenesis in Trachydiscus minutus. Probably, the main signal is light; it inhibited production of both zoospores and gametes. Preliminary experiments revealed that red light was responsible for both zoosporogenesis and gametogenesis in Botryosphaerella sudetica. Thus, we may presume involving of the phytochrome in reproductive regulation. Its presence was proven in some algae; its role, however, has not been adequately examined. I hypothesize that the active form of phytochrome (Pfr) blocks both gametogenesis and zoosporogenesis and that Pfr reverses spontaneously to the inactive form (Pr) in darkness. The potential role of photoreceptors as cryptochrome or phototropin we consider to be less important, although not negligible. Aims of the proposal are to detect the phytochrome in selected microalgae and to investigate relations between their reproduction patterns and phytochrome forms.