Evolution of biomineralization proteins in Cnidaria

Recently, the effects of ocean acidification on coral calcification have received significant interest. However, similar information is lacking for soft corals, which produce internal calcite sclerites. This poor understanding of the calcifying mechanisms makes it difficult to predict the response of soft corals to increased ocean acidification. In order to better understand the potential effects of increased atmospheric CO2, it is crucial that we expand and enhance our knowledge of soft coral calcification biomolecules. Toward this end, we use molecular biology techniques to understand the evolutionary history of a Cnidarian highly acidic protein, previously thought to be limited to stony corals.