Phaeodactylum Tricornutum

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a diatom. It is the only species in the genus Phaeodactylum. Unlike other diatoms P. tricornutum can exist in different morphotypes (fusiform, triradiate, and oval), and changes in cell shape can be stimulated by environmental conditions. This feature can be used to explore the molecular basis of cell shape control and morphogenesis. Unlike most diatoms P. tricornutum can grow in the absence of silicon, and the biogenesis of silicified frustules is facultative. This provides opportunities for experimental exploration of silicon-based nanofabrication in diatoms.

Another peculiarity is that during asexual reproduction the frustules do not appear to decrease in size. This allows continuous culture without the need for sexual reproduction. In fact it is unknown if P. tricornutum is capable of sexual reproduction. To date no substantial evidence has been found to support sexual reproduction in a laboratory or other setting. Despite the fact that P. tricornutum can be considered an atypical pennate diatom it is one of the main diatom model species. A transformation protocol has been established and RNAi vectors are available. This greatly facilitates molecular genetic studies.