Oxyrrhis marina growth, sex and reproduction

We examine the literature on Oxyrrhis marina cell and life cycles, population growth and production. We then provide an overview of what is known regarding aspects of O. marina growth, indicate where information is needed and suggest ways in which this species can and cannot be used as a general model, in this respect. Little is known about the O. marina life cycle; it is even unknown if cells are haploid, diploid or polyploid, although there is one report that sex occurs by homothallic isogamy. There is considerable information on the cell cycle, which we briefly review and provide a guide to the literature for details. We briefly discuss and provide guidance to information on: (i) population cell size distributions; (ii) cannibalism; (iii) our first report of "mini-cells" in cultures ( similar to 8 mu m) and their possible role in the life cycle; (iv) cysts, and their possible role in the life and cell cycles; (v) biotic influences on growth, such as food type and abundance, assimilation efficiency, prey stiochiometry, strain differences, population growth and starvation and nutritional shifts; (vi) abiotic factors that affect growth, such as temperature, salinity, pH, light and turbulence. We then reflect on the consequences of interactions between the above factors and review data on population growth of O. marina in the field and laboratory. Finally, we evaluate the use of O. marina as a model organism to examine cell and life cycles and ecological processes. Throughout the paper, we suggest areas that need evaluation.