Phaeocystis globosa Colonial Gene Expression

Phaeocystis is a globally distributed haptophyte genus with several species forming dense, monospecific blooms at different latitudes. Phaeocystis blooms are usually dominated by the colonial morphotype - non-flagellated cells embedded in a self-secreted mucilaginous colony. Colonial Phaeocystis blooms significantly affect food web structure and function, but factors initiating colony formation and the role of colonies within the Phaeocystis life-cycle remain enigmatic. We examined gene expression associated with colony formation in a single strain of Phaeocystis globosa (CCMP1528), while keeping culture conditions constant.