Chromerida

Chromerida

Chromerida is a phylum of unicellular, photosynthetic alveolates that are closely related to the Apicomplexa, a group of parasitic protists. Chromerida was first described in 2008 and includes organisms that are of significant interest due to their evolutionary relationship with both photosynthetic and parasitic lineages.

Characteristics

Chromerida are characterized by their unique combination of features that include:

• Photosynthetic capability: Chromerida possess chlorophyll a and accessory pigments, allowing them to perform photosynthesis.
• Alveolate structure: Like other members of the Alveolata, Chromerida have a complex cell structure with alveoli, which are flattened vesicles located just beneath the cell membrane.
• Apicoplast: Chromerida contain a non-photosynthetic plastid known as an apicoplast, which is also found in Apicomplexa and is thought to be derived from a secondary endosymbiotic event.

Taxonomy

The phylum Chromerida currently includes the following genera:

• Chromera
• Vitrella

These genera are marine organisms that have been isolated from coral reef environments, where they are thought to play a role in the symbiotic relationships with corals.

Evolutionary Significance

Chromerida are of particular interest to evolutionary biologists because they provide insights into the evolution of parasitism and photosynthesis in the alveolates. The presence of both photosynthetic and parasitic traits in Chromerida suggests that they may represent an ancestral state from which both the Dinoflagellates and Apicomplexa evolved.

Ecological Role

Chromerida are found in marine environments, particularly in association with coral reefs. They are believed to contribute to the photosynthetic productivity of these ecosystems and may play a role in the health and resilience of coral reefs.

Also see

• Apicomplexa
• Alveolata
• Dinoflagellate
• Coral reef
• Photosynthesis