International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 62-72 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 62 Research Insight Open Access Unraveling the Genetic Mechanisms of Algal Adaptation: Insights from Genomics and Transcriptomics ManmanLi Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: manman.li@hitar.org International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0008 Received: 10 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 15 Mar., 2024 Published: 31 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li M.M., 2024, Unraveling the genetic mechanisms of algal adaptation: insights from genomics and transcriptomics, International Journal of Aquaculture, 14(2): 62-72 (doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0008) Abstract Algal adaptability is a key factor in global ecological balance, and studying its adaptation mechanisms provides significant biological insights. This study aims to reveal the genetic mechanisms behind algae's adaptation to various environmental stresses through genomics and transcriptomics. It specifically describes the structure of algal genomes and transcriptomic features, and through case studies, shows how algae adjust gene expression to cope with environmental stresses, particularly focusing on stress response genes, regulatory networks, and evolutionary adaptations. Moreover, by integrating genomic and transcriptomic data analysis, the study enhances the overall understanding of algal adaptation mechanisms. The results not only deepen the understanding of algal genetic adaptability but also advance algal biotechnology, providing new strategies for environmental protection and sustainable utilization of biological resources. Keywords Algae; Genomics; Transcriptomics; Adaptability; Bioinformatics 1 Introduction Algae, a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotes, play a crucial role in global carbon fixation and primary production in aquatic ecosystems. They exhibit a wide range of adaptations to various environmental conditions, from the harsh tidal zones inhabited by brown algae to the nutrient-poor waters where marine cyanobacteria thrive (Cock et al., 2010; Teng et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2020). The evolutionary history of algae is marked by multiple endosymbiotic events, leading to the acquisition of plastids and the diversification of algal lineages. These adaptations are not only morphological but also genetic, involving complex regulatory mechanisms that enable algae to respond to environmental stresses such as light intensity, salinity, and temperature fluctuations (Raven et al., 2003). Algal species provides insights into the evolutionary processes that have shaped the diversity and complexity of itselfs (Blaby-Haas and Merchant, 2019). It helps in identifying key genes and pathways that contribute to the resilience and productivity of algae in various habitats. This knowledge is particularly important in the context of climate change, as it can inform strategies for conserving and managing algal populations that are critical for ecosystem stability and carbon cycling. Additionally, the study of algal genomics and transcriptomics can lead to biotechnological applications, such as the development of biofuels and the improvement of algal strains for aquaculture and bioremediation (Matsuzaki et al., 2004). This study unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying algal adaptation by synthesizing findings from recent genomics and transcriptomics studies. The objectives are to: elucidate the genetic strategies employed by different algal groups to adapt to their environments, highlight the role of horizontal gene transfer and gene regulation in these adaptive processes, and explore the implications of these genetic mechanisms for ecological and biotechnological applications. Integrating data from multiple studies, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how genetic diversity and evolutionary pressures shape the adaptability of algae, thereby contributing to the broader field of evolutionary biology and environmental science.
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