A role for diatom-like silicon transporters in calcifying coccolithophores

Abstract

Silicification by diatoms and calcification by coccolithophores are distinct biomineralisation processes that influence global carbon cycling and the abundance of marine plankton. Here, Durak et al. show that diatom-like silicon transporters are present in coccolithophores, and that silicon is required for formation of their calcium carbonate coccoliths.