Oxyrrhis marina growth, sex, and reproduction

We examine the literature on Oxyrrhis marina cell and life cycles, population growthand production. We then provide an overview of what is known regarding aspectsof O. marina growth, indicate where information is needed and suggest ways inwhich this species can and cannot be used as a general model, in this respect.Little is known about the O. marina life cycle; it is even unknown if cells arehaploid, diploid or polyploid, although there is one report that sex occurs byhomothallic isogamy. There is considerable information on the cell cycle, whichwe briefly review and provide a guide to the literature for details. We brieflydiscuss and provide guidance to information on: (i) population cell size distri-butions; (ii) cannibalism; (iii) our first report of “mini-cells” in cultures ( 8 mm)and their possible role in the life cycle; (iv) cysts, and their possible role in the lifeand cell cycles; (v) biotic influences on growth, such as food type and abundance,assimilation efficiency, prey stiochiometry, strain differences, population growthand starvation and nutritional shifts; (vi) abiotic factors that affect growth, such astemperature, salinity, pH, light and turbulence. We then reflect on the conse-quences of interactions between the above factors and review data on populationgrowth of O. marina in the field and laboratory. Finally, we evaluate the use ofO. marina as a model organism to examine cell and life cycles and ecological pro-cesses. Throughout the paper, we suggest areas that need evaluation.KEYWORDS: model organism; dinoflagellate; protozoa; life history; Oxyrrhis