Genomics, Biology and Phylogeny Aurantiochytrium acetophilum sp. nov. (Thraustrochytriaceae), Including First Evidence of Sexual Reproduction

We described our new organism as Aurantiochytrium acetophilum sp. nov. (Thraustochytriaceae, Thraustocytriales) using light microscopy, electron microscopy, substrate assimilation, biochemical composition and nuclear genomic data. We found some characteristics of biotechnological relevance that were not previously described in this family. First, strain HS-399 of A. acetophilum was extremely tolerant to acetate toxicity, and it used this substrate as a sole carbon source. Second, we observed putative gametes that fused together to form a zygote. Zygote fate and the life stage with meiosis were not determined; however, we found several meiosis genes in the genome, further supporting the possibility of breeding for these industrially relevant organisms.
Source: Protist - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research