Genome of brown algae Ectocarpus sequenced.

Sequencing of the brown algae Ectocarpus siliculosus (Dillwyn) Lyngbye genome by Cock et. al. was published today in the journal Nature. Found in the rocky coastal environments, the brown algae possess a complex physiology and adaptation qualities. Of particular interest is the extended list of genes responsible for light harvesting and a new metabolic pathway on halide metabolism. In chemical terms 'halogen' is referred to ions such as fluorine, chlorine, iodine, or bromine.