Pheromone Mediated Sexual Reproduction of Pennate Diatom Cylindrotheca closterium

Abstract Benthic diatoms dominate primary production in marine subtidal and intertidal environments. Their extraordinary species diversity ecological success is thought to be linked with their predominantly heterothallic sexual reproduction. Little known about pheromone involvement during mating of pennate diatoms. Here we describe guided the coastal raphid diatom Cylindrotheca closterium . We show that two types (mt + mt ? ) have distinct functions. Similar other benthic diatoms, cells are searching for pair. To enhance efficiency exudes an attraction which proved by establishing a novel capillary assay. Further, more pheromones produced promote events. One arrests cell cycle progression while induces gametogenesis suggest C. shares functionally similar system like S eminavis robusta Pseudostaurosira trainorii synchronize events mate attraction. Remarkably, found no evidence producing pheromones, differentiates from pennates suggests less complex