Coccolithophores are the most abundant calcifying organisms in modern oceans and are important primary producers in many marine ecosystems. Their ability to generate a cellular covering of calcium carbonate plates (coccoliths) plays a major role in marine biogeochemistry and the global carbon cycle. Coccolithophores also play an important role in sulfur cycling through the production of the climate-active gas dimethyl sulfide. The primary model organism for coccolithophore research is Emiliania huxleyi, now named Gephyrocapsa huxleyi. G. huxleyi has a cosmopolitan distribution, occupying coastal and oceanic environments across the globe, and is the most abundant coccolithophore in modern oceans. Research in G. huxleyi has identified many aspects of coccolithophore biology, from cell biology to ecological interactions. In this perspective, we summarize the key advances made using G. huxleyi and examine the emerging tools for research in this model organism. We discuss the key steps that need to be taken by the research community to advance G. huxleyi as a model organism and the suitability of other species as models for specific aspects of coccolithophore biology.

中文翻译：

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Gephyrocapsa huxleyi (Emiliania huxleyi) 作为颗石藻生物学的模型系统

颗石藻是现代海洋中最丰富的钙化生物，是许多海洋生态系统中重要的初级生产者。它们产生碳酸钙板（球石）细胞覆盖的能力在海洋生物地球化学和全球碳循环中发挥着重要作用。颗石藻还通过生产气候活跃气体二甲硫醚，在硫循环中发挥着重要作用。颗石藻研究的主要模式生物是Emiliania Huxleyi，现命名为Gephyrocapsa Huxleyi。G. huxleyi分布广泛，遍布全球沿海和海洋环境，是现代海洋中最丰富的颗石藻。G. huxleyi的研究已经确定了颗石藻生物学的许多方面，从细胞生物学到生态相互作用。从这个角度来看，我们总结了使用G. huxleyi取得的关键进展 ，并研究了该模式生物研究的新兴工具。我们讨论了研究界需要采取的关键步骤，以将赫胥黎 G. huxleyi推进 为模式生物，以及其他物种作为球石藻生物学特定方面的模型的适用性。