Chromera velia

Chromera velia is a unicellular photosynthetic organism that belongs to the phylum Myzozoa within the superphylum Alveolata. It was first discovered in 2001 in the coral Plesiastrea versipora and formally described in 2008. C. velia is of particular interest to scientists due to its close evolutionary relationship with the Apicomplexa, a group of parasitic protists that includes the malaria-causing Plasmodium species.

Discovery and Classification

Chromera velia was discovered by a team of researchers led by Robert Moore while studying the symbiotic relationships between corals and their associated microorganisms. The organism was isolated from the coral Plesiastrea versipora collected from the Great Barrier Reef. Initially, it was thought to be a type of dinoflagellate, but further genetic analysis revealed that it represented a new lineage within the Alveolata.

Morphology and Life Cycle

Chromera velia is a spherical, unicellular organism with a diameter of approximately 5-10 micrometers. It possesses a single chloroplast, which is surrounded by four membranes, a characteristic feature of secondary endosymbiosis. The chloroplast contains chlorophyll a and accessory pigments that enable photosynthesis.

The life cycle of C. velia includes both a motile stage, where the organism uses flagella for movement, and a non-motile stage. The motile stage is characterized by the presence of two unequal flagella, which are used for swimming.

Photosynthesis and Metabolism

Chromera velia is capable of photosynthesis, using light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds. This process is facilitated by its chloroplast, which is similar in structure to those found in red algae. The presence of a plastid genome in C. velia provides insights into the evolution of photosynthetic organelles in the Alveolata.

Evolutionary Significance

The discovery of Chromera velia has provided valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the Alveolata. Its close relationship with the Apicomplexa suggests that the common ancestor of these groups was photosynthetic. This has implications for understanding the evolution of parasitism in the Apicomplexa, as it suggests that these organisms may have lost their photosynthetic capabilities over time.

Research and Applications

Research on Chromera velia is ongoing, with scientists investigating its potential applications in biotechnology and its role in coral reef ecosystems. Understanding the biology of C. velia may also provide new strategies for combating diseases caused by Apicomplexan parasites.

Also see

• Apicomplexa
• Dinoflagellate
• Coral symbiosis
• Photosynthesis
• Alveolata