Abstract 1647 Cnidarian endosymbiosis in a soft coral and a green hydra

Endosymbiosis, a phenomenon wherein a single-celled organism inhabits inside a cell of a host organism to establish a coexisting--often mutually beneficial--relationship, is widespread in nature. Studying the mechanism of endosymbiosis is important for understanding the dynamic interactions between the environment and Earth's biota that influence species evolution and survival. We focus on understanding the cell and molecular mechanisms governing endosymbiosis between cnidarian and algae. Specifically, we study a soft coral Xenia species (sp.) and Hydra viridissima that form endosymbiosis with dinoflagellate algae and Chlorella algae, respectively. This presentation highlights our progress in identifying key pathway genes implicated in algae recognition and uptake by Xenia. Additionally, we provide insights into our ongoing, yet-to-be-published investigation into the endosymbiotic interplay between Hydra viridissima and Chlorella. Gordon Betty Moore Foundation.