Genome Sequence for the Apicomplexan Sarcocystis Neurona

The phylum Apicomplexa isphylogenetically placed with ciliate and dinoflagellate protozoa and (more distantly) withmulticellular organisms such as kelp, the majority of which contain a plastid organelle probably acquired by secondary endosymbiosis. The evolutionary history of this clade and their intriguing plastid remains somewhat enigmatic, so the S. neurona genome and plastid sequence will help resolve uncertainties regarding the phylogeny ofthese diverse organisms. All three investigators have a demonstrated commitment to education, so training of young scientists is an integral part ofthe proposed project.