Diatoms are continuously having sex, and that's good for our planet

Diatoms are microscopic algae that are responsible for approximately 20% of oxygen production on Earth. Yet until now, their sexual reproduction was hardly visible in nature.

New detection method

Using an innovative method based on gene expression, the researchers were able to detect sexual activity in diatoms, first in the Scheldt near Melle, then worldwide via ocean measurements during an expedition with the research vessel Tara.

Gene expression is the process by which cells convert genetic information from DNA into active molecules such as proteins. Specific genes become active during sexual reproduction. By looking at which genes were active during the expedition, the researchers were able to deduce where and when diatoms have sex. The results are surprising: diatoms appear to reproduce almost everywhere and continuously.

‘Our method opens the door to a better understanding of how environmental factors such as salinity influence sexual reproduction in diatoms,’ says researcher Gust Bilcke. ‘This is essential to understanding how these organisms evolve and contribute to the ecosystem.’

Explanation for genetic diversity

The discovery offers an explanation for the enormous genetic diversity of diatoms. This enables them to adapt to changing conditions such as climate change. This is crucial for our planet, as diatoms remove as much CO₂ from the air as all forests combined and form an important link in the marine ecosystem.

The researchers hope that their work will contribute to broader insights into the role of microorganisms in the marine ecosystem and climate dynamics.

The study was published in the leading journal Nature Communications.

Contact

Dr Gust Bilcke

Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics – Faculty of Science

Tel. 09 331 39 99

gust.bilcke@ugent.be