Genetic characteristics influence the phenotype of marine macroalga (Phaeophyceae).

Intraspecific variation is an important component of heterogeneity in biological systems that can manifest at the genotypic and phenotypic level. This study investigates the influence of genetic characteristics on the phenotype of free-living using traditional morphological measures and microsatellite genotyping. Two sympatric morphotypes were observed to be significantly genetically and morphologically differentiated despite experiencing analogous local environmental conditions; indicating a genetic element to morphology. Additionally, the observed intraclonal variation established divergent morphology within some genets. This demonstrated that clonal lineages have the ability to alter morphological traits by either a plastic response or somatic mutations. We provide support for the potential occurrence of the Gigas effect (cellular/organ enlargement through genome duplication) in the genus, with polyploidization appearing to correlate with a general increase in the size of morphological features. Phenotypic traits, as designated by morphology within the study, of are partially controlled by the genetic characteristics of the thalli. This study suggests that largely asexually reproducing algal populations may have the potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions through genome changes or phenotypic plasticity.