Algal Remodeling in a Ubiquitous Planktonic Photosymbiosis

Abstract

The microalga Phaeocystis lives as an intracellular symbiont of acantharian hosts. Using single-cell imaging, Decelle et al. show that Phaeocystis is morphologically and metabolically transformed within a host, with a significant expansion of the photosynthetic machinery and alteration of nutrient homeostasis toward high productivity.