Adaptive significance of light and food for a kleptoplastic sea slug: implications for photosynthesis

Shiroyama, Hiromi; Mitoh, Sayaka; Ida, Takashi; Yusa, Yoichi

doi:10.1007/s00442-020-04779-6

Cited by 11 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…limited photosynthesis under reduced light levels), E. timida clearly changed its reproductive energy investment by decreasing the number of spawned egg masses. Shiroyama et al [33] observed higher number of eggs spawned by Elysia atroviridis when fed under regular light (30 µmol photons m −2 s −1 ) than when kept under reduced light conditions (1 µmol photons m −2 s −1 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts can support sea slug reproductive fitness

et al. 2021

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Some sea slugs are able to steal functional chloroplasts (kleptoplasts) from their algal food sources, but the role and relevance of photosynthesis to the animal host remain controversial. While some researchers claim that kleptoplasts are slowly digestible ‘snacks’, others advocate that they enhance the overall fitness of sea slugs much more profoundly. Our analysis shows light-dependent incorporation of 13 C and 15 N in the albumen gland and gonadal follicles of the sea slug Elysia timida , representing translocation of photosynthates to kleptoplast-free reproductive organs. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with reported roles in reproduction were produced in the sea slug cells using labelled precursors translocated from the kleptoplasts. Finally, we report reduced fecundity of E. timida by limiting kleptoplast photosynthesis. The present study indicates that photosynthesis enhances the reproductive fitness of kleptoplast-bearing sea slugs, confirming the biological relevance of this remarkable association between a metazoan and an algal-derived organelle.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Shiroyama et al . [ 33 ] observed higher number of eggs spawned by Elysia atroviridis when fed under regular light (30 µmol photons m −2 s −1 ) than when kept under reduced light conditions (1 µmol photons m −2 s −1 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts can support sea slug reproductive fitness

et al. 2021

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“…inhibited photosynthesis under non-actinic light levels), E. timida clearly reduced its reproductive energy investment by decreasing the number of spawned egg masses. Shiroyama et al (35) observed higher number of eggs spawned by Elysia atroviridis when fed under light (30 µmol photons m −2 s −1 ) than when kept under non-actinic conditions (1 µmol photons m −2 s −1 ). The availability of the macroalga Codium tomentosum was also shown to affect the number of eggs spawned by the sea slug E. viridis (36).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts increases sea slug reproductive fitness

Cartaxana

Lekieffre

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Some sea slugs are able to steal functional chloroplasts (kleptoplasts) from their algal food sources, but the role and relevance of photosynthesis to the animal host remain controversial. While some researchers claim that kleptoplasts are slowly digestible snacks, others advocate that they enhance the overall fitness of sea slugs much more profoundly. Our analysis show light-dependent incorporation of 13C and 15N in the albumen gland and gonadal follicles of the sea slug Elysia timida, representing translocation of photosynthates to kleptoplast-free reproductive organs. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with reported roles in reproduction were produced in the sea slug cells using labelled precursors translocated from the kleptoplasts. Finally, we report reduced fecundity of E. timida by suppressing kleptoplast photosynthesis. The present study provides the first thorough experimental evidence that photosynthesis enhances the reproductive fitness of kleptoplast-bearing sea slugs, confirming the biological relevance of this remarkable association between a metazoan and an algal-derived organelle.

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“…Using radioisotopes, it was shown that the uptake of carbon and nitrogen reached the reproductive organs. Light was required not only for energy supply but also affected body size and the number of offspring in E. atroviridis (Shiroyama et al 2020). That study showed that light intensity and food availability were correlated with shell height and the total number of eggs.…”

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confidence: 90%

A Photosynthetic Animal: A Sacoglossan Sea Slug that Steals Chloroplasts

Aoki

Matsunaga²

2021

CYTOLOGIA

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Sacoglossan sea slugs are able to steal chloroplasts from their algal prey and acquire photosynthetic capacity (termed kleptoplasty). These stolen plastids provide sea slugs with a long-term supply of organic carbon and energy. This augmented nutrient supply brings many benefits in terms of survival, body planning, reproductive traits, and body regeneration. However, the mechanisms of maintenance of chloroplasts and photosynthesis in sea slugs are poorly understood. Here, we introduce this mysterious phenomenon, including recent research findings, and consider its feasibility for synthetic biology, e.g., construction of artificial photosynthetic animal cells.

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Adaptive significance of light and food for a kleptoplastic sea slug: implications for photosynthesis

Cited by 11 publications

References 38 publications

Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts can support sea slug reproductive fitness

Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts can support sea slug reproductive fitness

Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts increases sea slug reproductive fitness

A Photosynthetic Animal: A Sacoglossan Sea Slug that Steals Chloroplasts

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