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Research images by Chris Lane
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The focus of this work is the evolution of protists, with particular emphasis on cryptomonads and their nucleomorphs. Cryptophyte diversity is large, and has only barely been explored, particularly from a molecular perspective. Our estimates indicate a large degree of variation in nucleomorph genome size, even within a single genus. Therefore, massive reductions in nucleomorph genome size have occured independently in different cryptomonad lineages, providing a natural comparison of the genes remaining. What types of genes are lost or maintained and why? How much synteny remains between these genomes in different lineages? The picture is west of Pond Inlet, Baffin Island, and was taken on a collecting trip in September, 2003.
Image taken by Chris Lane Image copyright: Chris Lane, image used under license to MBL (micro*scope).
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