Genome sequences of seven Parmales (Bolidophyceae) strains. Parmales

Parmales (Bolidophyceae) are a minor group of pico-sized eukaryotic marine phytoplankton that contains species with cells surrounded by silica plates. Previous studies revealed that parmales are members of Ochrophyta and sister to diatoms, a major and the most successful phytoplankton group in the modern ocean. Therefore, parameles genomes can serve as a reference to curve out evolutionary events that differentiated these two lineages and to elucidate the genomic basis for the ecological success of diatoms and the rather hidden lifestyle of paramles. Here, we compared multiple genomes of parmales and diatoms to explore their physiological and evolutionary differences.