Comparison of Independent Evolutionary Origins Reveals Both Convergence and Divergence in the Metabolic Mechanisms of Symbiosis (Current Biology)

Sørensen et al. compare multiple independent evolutionary origins of Paramecium-Chlorella symbiosis to reveal the underpinning metabolic mechanisms. Although the independent origins use a convergent nutrient exchange, they have diverged in traits linked to photosynthesis, which could mediate host-symbiont specificity in nature.