Genomic analysis of Coccomyxa viridis, a common low-abundance alga associated with lichen symbioses

Here we present the first genome sequence of a non-photobiont lichen-associated alga. The 45.7 Mbp genome of Coccomyxa viridis was assembled into 18 near chromosome-level contigs, making it one of the most contiguous genomic assemblies for any lichen-associated algae. Comparing the C. viridis genome to its close relatives revealed the presence of traits associated with the lichen lifestyle. The genome of C. viridis provides a new resource for exploring the evolution of the lichen symbiosis, and how symbiotic lifestyles shaped evolution in green algae.