Compartmentalization of mRNAs in the giant, unicellular green alga Acetabularia acetabulum

Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga which has historically been an important model system in cell biology. Here, we attempt to re-introduce A. as through the investigation of subcellular localization mRNAs. macroscopic with highly complex cellular morphology. The gigantic, and single nucleus, located at basal end, several centimeters away from umbrella-shaped tip. To better understand genetic basis morphology this alga, aimed characterize mRNA composition four different regions adult cells. Analyses quantitative gene expression data revealed high degree differentially distributed products. Gene transcripts involved photosynthesis were mainly accumulated apical cap structure, while end carrying nucleus was enriched for nuclear processes such DNA replication transcription. Cytoskeletal components, intracellular transport protein translation present throughout elongated cell. An observation that some others, often functionally related transcripts, localized large pools distinct regions. This suggests post-transcriptional regulation specific products may be mechanisms behind morphogenesis gigantic