Discovery of a photophobic response in Apusomonads reveals insights into Opisthokont origins

Discovery of a photophobic response in Apusomonads reveals insights into Opisthokont origins

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have identified a photophobic response (light avoidance) in the unicellular apusomonad Podomonas kaiyoae. The study provides critical insight into the evolution of complex flagellar and ciliary motility and the evolutionary origins of Opisthokonta, a major eukaryotic group that encompasses animals and fungi.