A new study published in Cell uncovers how corals evolved the specialized cellular machinery needed to house the microscopic algae that fuel the world’s coral reefs. Led by Dr. Phil Cleves, the 2023 Pew-Hoover Fellow in Marine and Biomedical Science, the research found that corals repurposed lysosomes—cellular structures traditionally responsible for digestion and recycling—to create the “symbiosome,” the organelle that supports their partnership with photosynthetic algae. The discovery helps explain how this remarkable symbiosis evolved repeatedly throughout nature and provides new insight into the biological processes that underpin the health and resilience of coral reefs.
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
