Abstract Thraustochytrids, a common group of marine eukaryotic protists, have drawn considerable scientific and industrial interest due to their ability synthesize high levels bioactive compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, squalene carotenoids, new applications for biofuels. The pharmaceutical potential thraustochytrids necessitate effective isolation strains ...

Stem cells are highly conserved biological units of development and regeneration. Here we formally demonstrate that stem cell lineages are also legitimate units of natural selection. In a colonial ascidian, Botryllus schlosseri, vascular fusion between genetically distinct individuals results in cellular parasitism of somatic tissues, gametes, or both. We show that genetic hierarchies of somati...