Algal Symbiosis to the Ecological Success of Angiosperms
Review Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21276/pt.2025.v2.i3.10Keywords:
Angiosperms, Algal Symbiosis, Endosybiosis, Epiphytic SymbiosisAbstract
The success of angiosperms (flowering plants) is heavily reliant on their partnerships with algae, a crucial, yet often underestimated, form of symbiotic interaction. This review delves into the complex relationships between angiosperms and algae, highlighting the various types, processes, and ecological significance of these symbiotic bonds. It first examines the different forms of algal symbiosis—including endosymbiosis, epiphytic symbiosis, cyanobacterial symbiosis, and photo symbiosis—each playing a unique role in the plant's physiological and ecological processes. The discussion then moves to the molecular and cellular mechanics that underpin these partnerships, emphasizing the critical interdependencies and nutrient exchanges that sustain them. Furthermore, we analyzed the genetic control of these symbioses, showcasing the precise genes and pathways involved in their initiation and maintenance. This detailed analysis underscores the vital role algal symbiosis plays in enhancing angiosperms' adaptation, particularly in challenging environments, and offers broader insights into the connections within ecology and evolution.
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