The silicon transporters (SITs) gene was found in Synechococcus sp. XM24

Abstract

Silicate serves as a crucial nutrient for diatoms, which are capable of absorbing dissolved silicon from their surroundings through silicon transporters (SITs), thus playing a significant role in the global oceans silicon cycle. Recent studies have indicated that marine single-celled Synechococcus also has the ability to accumulate silicon. Given that the evolution of Synechococcus predates that of diatoms, it is postulated that Synechococcus may utilize transporters such as SITs found in diatoms, to absorb dissolved silicon in the ocean. This research delves into the silicon accumulation in Synechococcus sp. XM24, particularly focusing on two key aspects. Firstly, the study investigates the potential presence of SITs in Synechococcus sp. XM24 under the condition of Depleted-Repleted silicate. Subsequently, two gene sequences suspected to encode SITs, were identified, and their protein sequences and functions were successfully predicted, shedding light on their involvement in membrane transport processes.