Intracellular symbioses between cnidarians and dinoflagellates from the genus Symbiodinium are widespread throughout the marine environment. These associations are ecologically significant, especially in tropical waters where symbiotic interactions between corals and Symbiodinium culminate in the formation of limestone reefs. This thesis focuses on cellular and molecular aspects of the symbiosis,...
Scleractinian corals, like many other cnidarians, engage in intracellular symbiosis with
dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Symbiodinium. This association makes
invaluable structural and energetic contributions to the marine environment and to the
coral reef ecosystem in particular. While many aspects of the cnidarian-dinoflagellate
relationship have been well studied, nothing is...
The intracellular mutualism between cnidarians and photosynthetic dinoflagellates (genus Symbiodinium) is responsible for the physical and trophic structure of diverse coral reef ecosystems. This relationship, based on nutrient exchange, allows for high productivity in tropical waters, which are generally nutrient-poor environments. Numerous environmental stressors currently threaten the health of corals,...