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Diatoms and light



We have identified a key component of the photo-accli​mation mechanisms of a diatom that allows it to acclimate to changes in its environmental conditions, especially fluctuations of the light intensity.

Published on 13 December 2010
Highlight available in French.


Phaeodactylum tricornutum is the only species of the genus Phaeodactylum which, unlike other diatoms, may have different morphotypes (oval, fusiform and triradiate). Shape changes of the cell can be stimulated by environmental conditions. This feature is used to explore the molecular basis of cell shape control and morphogenesis.

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