Abstract
Symbiosis![Figure][1] Ingested algae pitch in to prevent starvation CREDIT: JAN DE VRIES AND STEFFEN KOHLER/CAI Green sea slugs feed on algae, and in the process they take up photosynthetic plastids from the algae. The plastids stay intact in the slug's gut cells for months, and the slugs benefit nutritionally from ongoing photosynthesis. So much so that that some scientists think that the plastids can prevent slugs from dying of starvation. But photosynthesis and starvation can also produce toxic products that cause the slugs to die. de Vries et al. found one species of slug that does not rely on photosynthesis to keep it going during hard times. This slug resists death by ramping up mechanisms to remove damaged plastids and toxins. Proc. R. Soc. B 10.1098/rspb.2014.2519 (2015). [1]: pending:yes
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
