Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Si-ORHIGENS (Unravelling the Silicification prOcess in RHIzaria through GENetics and Skeletal growth)

Silicon (Si) is a critical nutrient in the global ocean, essential for the growth of a wide range of organisms, including microalgae, sponges, and rhizarians. Silicifying Rhizaria were among the first protists to inhabit the ocean and, alongside sponges, dominated biogenic...