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Stigeoclonium is a genus of green algae that is widely distributed in freshwater habitats around the world. The genus comprises species with variously developed prostrates and erect systems of uniseriate branched filaments and grows attached to a wide range of different surfaces. It holds significant promise for applications in water quality indicators, sewage treatment, and the development of high-value-added products. Nevertheless, our comprehension of Stigeoclonium remains unclear and perplexing, particularly regarding its fundamental systematic taxonomy. Recent molecular analyses have revealed that the morphologically well-defined genus Stigeoclonium is polyphyletic and requires taxonomic revision. Phylogenetic analysis based on a single molecular marker and limited samples is insufficient to address the polyphyletic nature of Stigeoclonium. In the present study, 34 out of 45 strains of Stigeoclonium were newly acquired from China. Alongside the morphological data, a concatenated dataset of three markers (18S rDNA + ITS2 + tufA) was utilized to determine their molecular phylogeny. The phylogenetic analysis successfully resolved the broadly defined Stigeoclonium into three robustly supported clades (Stigeoclonim tenue clade, S. farctum clade, and S. helveticum clade). The morphological characteristics assessment results showed that the cell type of the main axis-producing branch, considered a crucial morphological characteristic of the Stigeoclonium taxonomy, did not accurately reflect the real phylogeny of the genus. A new taxonomical classification of the genus Stigeoclonium was proposed based on zoospores' germination types, which aligned well with the phylogenetic topologies. Species where zoospores showed erect germination (S. helveticum clade) formed a distinct monophyletic clade, clearly separated from the other two clades, with zoospores showing prostrate germination or pseudo-erect germination. Consequently, a new genus, Pseudostigeoclonium gen. nov., is suggested to include all species in the broadly defined Stigeoclonium with zoospores with erect germination. The taxonomic diversity is supported by distinctive morphological differences and phylogenetic divergence within the broadly defined Stigeoclonium identified in this study. Further evaluation of the genus Stigeoclonium is necessary, especially via examining additional specimens and re-evaluating morphological characters under precisely defined laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamentous green chaetophoralean algae are distributed mainly in aquatic ecosystems, less known from terrestrial habitats. Many of them have a complicated thalli and complex life cycles that make it difficult to determine these organisms by morphology. Description of new representatives of the Chaetophorales continues. In this study, we have explored the filamentous green alga IRK–A 341 from soil of the Baikal Region by light and electron microscopy along with molecular phylogeny. Based on the results of morphological, ecological, and molecular phylogenetic analyses (18S–28S rDNA, tufA), we described the studied alga as the new species, Barranca variabilis sp. nov. The study complements the data on the diversity of soils green filamentous algae, and their biogeography. For the first time, the data on the structure of the cell walls and the cell ultrastructure of Barranca were established. The information on the morphology of the reproductive and resting cells is updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigeoclonium is a genus of green algae that is widely distributed in freshwater habitats around the world. The genus comprises species with variously developed prostrates and erect systems of uniseriate branched filaments and grows attached to a wide range of different surfaces. It holds significant promise for applications in water quality indicators, sewage treatment, and the development of high-value-added products. Nevertheless, our comprehension of Stigeoclonium remains unclear and perplexing, particularly regarding its fundamental systematic taxonomy. Recent molecular analyses have revealed that the morphologically well-defined genus Stigeoclonium is polyphyletic and requires taxonomic revision. Phylogenetic analysis based on a single molecular marker and limited samples is insufficient to address the polyphyletic nature of Stigeoclonium. In the present study, 34 out of 45 strains of Stigeoclonium were newly acquired from China. Alongside the morphological data, a concatenated dataset of three markers (18S rDNA + ITS2 + tufA) was utilized to determine their molecular phylogeny. The phylogenetic analysis successfully resolved the broadly defined Stigeoclonium into three robustly supported clades (Stigeoclonim tenue clade, S. farctum clade, and S. helveticum clade). The morphological characteristics assessment results showed that the cell type of the main axis-producing branch, considered a crucial morphological characteristic of the Stigeoclonium taxonomy, did not accurately reflect the real phylogeny of the genus. A new taxonomical classification of the genus Stigeoclonium was proposed based on zoospores’ germination types, which aligned well with the phylogenetic topologies. Species where zoospores showed erect germination (S. helveticum clade) formed a distinct monophyletic clade, clearly separated from the other two clades, with zoospores showing prostrate germination or pseudo-erect germination. Consequently, a new genus, Pseudostigeoclonium gen. nov., is suggested to include all species in the broadly defined Stigeoclonium with zoospores with erect germination. The taxonomic diversity is supported by distinctive morphological differences and phylogenetic divergence within the broadly defined Stigeoclonium identified in this study. Further evaluation of the genus Stigeoclonium is necessary, especially via examining additional specimens and re-evaluating morphological characters under precisely defined laboratory conditions.

Considering the phylogenetic differences in the taxonomic framework of the Chaetophorales as determined by the use of nuclear molecular markers or chloroplast genes, the current study was the first to use phylotranscriptomic analyses comparing the transcriptomes of 12 Chaetophorales algal species. The results showed that a total of 240,133 gene families and 143 single-copy orthogroups were identified. Based on the single-copy orthogroups, supergene analysis and the coalescent-based approach were adopted to perform phylotranscriptomic analysis of the Chaetophorales. The phylogenetic relationships of most species were consistent with those of phylogenetic analyses based on the chloroplast genome data rather than nuclear molecular markers. The Schizomeriaceae and the Aphanochaetaceae clustered into a well-resolved basal clade in the Chaetophorales by either strategy. Evolutionary analyses of divergence time and substitution rate also revealed that the closest relationships existed between the Schizomeriaceae and Aphanochaetaceae. All species in the Chaetophorales exhibited a large number of expanded and contracted gene families, in particular the common ancestor of the Schizomeriaceae and Aphanochaetaceae. The only terrestrial alga, Fritschiella tuberosa, had the greatest number of expanded gene families, which were associated with increased fatty acid biosynthesis. Phylotranscriptomic and evolutionary analyses all robustly identified the unique taxonomic relationship of Chaetophorales consistent with chloroplast genome data, proving the advantages of high-throughput data in phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamentous green chaetophoralean algae are distributed mainly in aquatic ecosystems, less known from terrestrial habitats. Many of them have a complicated thalli and complex life cycles that make it difficult to determine these organisms by morphology. Description of new representatives of the Chaetophorales continues. In this study, we have explored the filamentous green alga IRK–A 341 from soil of the Baikal Region by light and electron microscopy along with molecular phylogeny. Based on the results of morphological, ecological, and molecular phylogenetic analyses (18S–28S rDNA, tufA), we described the studied alga as the new species, Barranca variabilis sp. nov. The study complements the data on the diversity of soils green filamentous algae, and their biogeography. For the first time, the data on the structure of the cell walls and the cell ultrastructure of Barranca were established. The information on the morphology of the reproductive and resting cells is updated.

Chaetophora lobata is the type species of the polyphyletic genus Chaetophora. Clarification of its species identification, phylogenetic relationships, and plastome characteristics is helpful for taxonomic revisions and evolutionary studies of this genus. This study presents detailed information on morphology, culture, phylogenetic analysis, phylogenomics and comparative genomics of C. lobata. The complete morphological description and phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear rDNA and chloroplast protein-coding genes were robust for the identification of C. lobata. Moreover, de novo sequencing was used to determine the 222 213 bp chloroplast genome, which lacked inverted repeats as in all other members of the Chaetophorales. The chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) of C. lobata was found to be AT-rich (68.2%), consisting of 67 protein-coding genes, among which 62 genes were encoded on the plus strand and five genes were encoded on the minus strand with significant imbalance in distribution. Additionally, 28 tRNA genes, three rRNA genes, 16 introns and 18 putative open reading frames (ORFs) were annotated. Eight ORFs arranged in a row occupied about 18 kbp between psaA and atpI genes, and 16 introns (14 group I introns and 2 group II introns) were annotated in nine genes. Six genes contained nine intronic ORFs. Synteny and rearrangements analysis clearly showed the closest relationships between Chaetophora sp. and C. lobata. Substitution rate estimation indicated that the cpDNA of Chaetophorales was under purifying selection and most species were under similar evolutionary pressure. These findings can help advance research on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the order Chaetophorales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broadly defined genus Chaetophora consisted of species with minute, uniseriate branching filaments enveloped in soft or firm mucilage forming macroscopic growths that are spherical, hemispherical, and tubercular or arbuscular, growing epiphytically on freshwater aquatic plants and other submerged surfaces in standing or fast‐flowing water. Recent molecular analyses clearly showed that this genus was polyphyletic. In this study, eight strains of Chaetophora and three strains of Stigeoclonium were identified and successfully cultured. In combination with the morphological data, a concatenated data set of four markers (18S + 5.8S + ITS2+ partial 28S rDNA) was also used to determine their taxonomic relationships and phylogenetic positions. The molecular analysis resolved the broadly defined Chaetophora to at least two genera. Species with a globose thallus of genus Chaetophora formed a separate monophyletic clade, which clearly separated from, a type of lobe‐form Chaetophora species. Therefore, we propose to erect a new genus, Chaetophoropsis, which includes all globose species of the Chaetophora. Chaetophoropsis aershanensis was determined to be a new species, based on its special characteristic of profuse long rhizoids. Stigeoclonium polyrhizum, as the closest relative to Chaetophoropsis, revealed its distant relationships to other species of Stigeoclonium. A globose thallus with a thick, soft mucilage matrix, and special rhizoidal branches lent further support to the placement of S. polyrhizum in the genus Chaetophoropsis and had the closest relationship to C. aershanensis. Taxonomic diversity was proven by distinctive morphological differences and by phylogenetic divergence in the broadly defined Chaetophora identified herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chaetophorales (Chlorophyceae) consist of filamentous green algae that were mostly described directly from natural samples by light microscopy. However, the descriptions were often based on morphological characters that are either homoplasious or sensitive to environmental factors. This clearly prevents proper identification of several chaetophoralean taxa and highlights the need for taxonomic revision at different taxonomic levels. In the present study, we focused on revision of the Chaetophorales at the family level. We used a well-resolved molecular phylogeny to re-evaluate morphological characters in the Chaetophorales under clearly defined laboratory conditions. We identified five morphological characters that permitted unambiguous identification of most chaetophoralean families, and used these characters to establish a new family, the Fritschiellaceae (fam. nov.), and emend the Chaetophoraceae Greville 1824. Knowledge gained from this study lends additional weight to the current classification of the Chaetophorales and may serve as an example for taxonomic revisions of other complex filamentous algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levantamento florístico dos representantes da ordem Chaetophorales na Reserva Biológica do Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga situada na cidade de São Paulo, Estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. Cinco gêneros (Chaetosphaeridium, Coleochaete, Gonatoblaste, Protoderma e Stigeoclonium), sete espécies e uma variedade taxonômica não típica de sua espécie foram identificados. Coleochaete com três espécies e uma variedade não típica foi o gênero representado pelo maior número de táxons na área, seguido pelos demais três com uma espécie cada um. Coleochaete irregularis var. curvicollis D. Bicudo & C. Bicudo é descrita pioneiramente para a Ciência. Protoderma viride é a espécie mais bem representada do ponto de vista de sua distribuição ocorrendo em três localidades, enquanto Chaetosphaeridium globosum var. globosum, Coleochaete irregularis var. irregularis e Coleochate nitellarum foram identificadas em duas localidades cada uma e Gonatoblaste rostrata, Stigeoclonium sp. e Coleochaete irregularis var. curvicollis são as menos bem distribuídas por ocorrerem em uma localidade cada uma.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: To enhance our knowledge of the diversity of microalgae, a phycological survey of the Canary Islands (Spain) was undertaken. Here we report the discovery of a (semi)terrestrial green filamentous alga isolated from a steep volcanic canyon on La Palma. This alga is continually exposed to changing weather conditions (floods vs. droughts) and thus provides a good opportunity to investigate possible adaptations to a semiterrestrial habitat with large fluctuations of environmental parameters. METHODS: We used axenic cultures, simulated flood and drought stresses and studied their effect on the life history of the alga using light, confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy including fluorescent staining. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses using rDNA sequence comparisons were performed. KEY RESULTS: Three specific life-history traits that likely represent adaptations to the fluctuating environment of the canyon were observed: (1) fragmentation through "filament splitting", a unique branching mechanism not reported before in algae and initiated by formation of oblique cross walls, (2) aplanospore formation, and (3) reproduction by multiflagellate zoospores with 4-24 flagella arranged in groups of four. Phylogenetic analyses identified the alga as Barranca multiflagellata gen. et sp. nov. (Barrancaceae fam. nov., Chaetophorales, Chlorophyceae). Moreover, the Chaetophoraceae Greville, 1824 was emended and a new family, Uronemataceae (fam. nov.) erected. CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of Barrancaceae fam. nov. highlights the importance of investigating nonconventional habitats to explore microalgal diversity. The reproductive versatility demonstrated by Barranca suggests adaptation to a semiterrestrial habitat with large fluctuations in water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic relationships between Baikalian endemic green alga Draparnaldioides simplex C. Meyer et Skabitch., 1976 and holarctic taxa of green algae have been studied using the 18S rDNA gene fragment and internal transcribed ITS1 and ITS2 spacers of nuclear DNA. The Baikalian genus Draparnaldioides was shown to be a separate taxon. The level of genetic difference between the studied species and non-Baikalian taxa of sister groups of green algae is insignificant, which indicates the young age of the genus Draparnaldioides and its recent radiation from the common ancestor with genera Draparnaldia and Chaetophora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorptive removal capacities of renewable and highly available Chaetophora elegans algae have been investigated in this study. To assess the use of this soft water algae to remove organic pollutants from aqueous solution, Methylene blue (MB) dye was used as a model molecule. The effect of dye concentrations, pH, adsorbent mass, temperature, and particle size have been evaluated. The algal biomass showed quite interesting adsorption capacity under optimized operating conditions (333 mg of dye per gram of biomass at 30 °C). Pseudo-first and pseudo-second order kinetic models were applied to the adsorption dynamic data. Pseudo second order model was well in line with the experimental data, therefore suggesting a probable chemically-based adsorption process. Several isotherm models were investigated to monitor the adsorption behavior. The Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm model fitted the experimental data best. The adsorption thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° were calculated. The maximum uptake is independent of temperature. From the values of the thermodynamic parameters, we concluded that the adsorption is exothermic, more ordered and spontaneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The green algal class Chlorophyceae comprises five orders (Chlamydomonadales, Sphaeropleales, Chaetophorales, Chaetopeltidales and Oedogoniales). Attempts to resolve the relationships among these groups have met with limited success. Studies of single genes (18S rRNA, 26S rRNA, rbcL or atpB) have largely failed to unambiguously resolve the relative positions of Oedogoniales, Chaetophorales and Chaetopeltidales (the OCC taxa). In contrast, recent genomics analyses of plastid data from OCC exemplars provided a robust phylogenetic analysis that supports a monophyletic OCC alliance. Methods An ITS2 data set was assembled to independently test the OCC hypothesis and to evaluate the performance of these data in assessing green algal phylogeny at the ordinal or class level. Sequence-structure analysis designed for use with ITS2 data was employed for phylogenetic reconstruction. Key Results Results of this study yielded trees that were, in general, topologically congruent with the results from the genomic analyses, including support for the monophyly of the OCC alliance. Conclusions Not all nodes from the ITS2 analyses exhibited robust support, but our investigation demonstrates that sequence-structure analyses of ITS2 provide a taxon-rich means of testing phylogenetic hypotheses at high taxonomic levels. Thus, the ITS2 data, in the context of sequence-structure analysis, provide an economical supplement or alternative to the single-marker approaches used in green algal phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorptive removal capacities of renewable and highly available Chaetophora elegans alga have been investigated in this study. To assess the use of this soft water alga to remove organic pollutants from aqueous solution, crystal violet (CV) dye was used as a cationic model molecule. The effect of dye concentrations, pH, adsorbent mass, temperature, and salinity have been evaluated. The algal biomass showed quite interesting adsorption capacity under optimized operating conditions (158.7 mg of dye per gram of biomass at 25° C). The pseudo-first and pseudo-second order kinetic models were applied to the adsorption dynamic data. Pseudo second order model was well in line with the experimental data, suggesting therefore, a probable chemically-based sorption process. Several isotherm models were investigated to monitor the adsorption behavior. The Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm model fitted better the experimental data. The inhibition of the dye adsorption in the presence of different salts suggests that the salt inhibition is rather via an electric double layer. The adsorption thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° were calculated. From the values of the thermodynamic parameters, we concluded that the adsorption is endothermic, less ordered and spontaneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously published molecular phylogenetic analyses of the Chaetophorales (Chlorophyceae) suffered from limited taxon sampling (six genera with only a single species per genus). To test the monophyly of species-rich genera, and to analyze the phylogenetic relationships among families and genera in the Chaetophorales, we determined nuclear-encoded SSU rDNA sequences from 30 strains of Chaetophorales, performed phylogenetic analyses using various methods, and screened clades for support by unique molecular synapomorphies in the SSU rRNA secondary structure. The Schizomeridaceae and the weakly supported Aphanochaetaceae were recovered as basal lineages. The derived family Chaetophoraceae diverged into two clades: the ' Uronema clade' containing unbranched filaments, and a sister clade designated as 'branched Chaetophoraceae' comprising Chaetophora, Stigeoclonium, Draparnaldia, Caespitella, and Fritschiella. Although some terminal clades corresponded to genera described (e.g., Caespitella and Draparnaldia), other clades were in conflict with traditional taxonomic designations. Especially, the genera Stigeoclonium and Chaetophora were shown to be polyphyletic. The globose species Chaetophora elegans was unrelated to lobate Chaetophora spp. (e.g., Chaetophora lobata). Since the original description of Chaetophora referred to a lobate thallus organization, the latter clade represented Chaetophora sensu stricto. In consequence, C. lobata was designated as lectotype of Chaetophora. Two Stigeoclonium species, Stigeoclonium farctum Berthold and Stigeoclonium' Longipilus', diverged independently from the type species of Stigeoclonium, Stigeoclonium tenue (C. Agardh) Kütz. These results indicated that some commonly used taxonomic characters are either homoplasious or plesiomorphic and call for a reevaluation of the systematics of the Chaetophorales using novel morphological and molecular approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of Stigeoclonium from Argentina were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy. For species identification, we collected data related to the prostrate system and zoospore germination. We also determined the chromosome number for each species. Stigeoclonium aestivale showed a more developed erect system than the prostrate one, zoospore germination was predominantly of erect type and the chromosome number was 8. Stigeoclonium tenue presented well developed, erect and prostrate systems, zoospore germination was initially of the prostrate type and the chromosome number was 5. In Stigeoclonium variabile the prostrate system predominated over the erect one, zoospore germination was strictly of the prostrate type and the chromosome number was 3. Stigeoclonium farctum presented a more developed prostrate system than the erect one, zoospore germination was strictly of the prostrate type and the chromosome number was 8. The ontogeny of the zoospore germination was related to the final relative development of the prostrate and erect portions of adult thalli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cephalomonas ( Cp.) granulata N. L. Higinb. (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae), a rare volvocalean phytoflagellate, has recently been isolated from a paddy field in Japan and examined by light and fluorescence microscopy. The vegetative cells of Cp. granulata have granulate loricae and a characteristic mushroom-like shape with a hemispherical to spherical anterior part and narrower posterior part. Cp. granulata has been classified among the Phacotaceae along with other loricated genera. However, its phylogenetic position has not been investigated using molecular phylogeny. To evaluate the phylogenetic position of Cephalomonas, the 18S rRNA gene sequence of the Japanese strain was determined. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that Cp. granulata was not closely related to other loricated taxa with known phylogenetic affinities, such as Phacotaceae sensu stricto ( Phacotus, Pteromonas, and Wislouchiella) and Dysmorphococcus globosus. This indicates at least three independent origins of loricae within the Volvocales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The nuclear-encoded ITS and associated 5.8S rDNA regions were sequenced for 72 specimens of Ulva collected from 44 rivers across Japan, including U. prolifera Müller from the Shimanto River, Kochi Prefecture, as well as 26 samples originally identified as U. linza L. from 20 coastal marine areas. Sequence data revealed that the samples fall into six distinct clades: the U. flexuosa Wulfen clade (2 samples), the Ulva linza-procera-prolifera (LPP) complex clade (75 samples), Ulva sp. 1 clade (3 samples), Ulva sp. 2 clade (7 samples), Ulva sp. 3 clade (4 samples) and Ulva sp. 4 clade (7 samples). The LPP complex contained a mixture of 26 samples collected from seashores and 49 samples obtained from rivers, including U. prolifera from the Shimanto River, and GenBank data for U. linza and U. procera Ahlner. The samples of the LPP complex differed by only 0–7 substitutions (0–1.149%). Subsequent phylogeographic analyses of the LPP complex based on the 5S rDNA spacer region revealed the presence of two further groupings: a group including 22 strictly marine littoral U. linza samples and a U. prolifera group composed of a mixture of 4 marine samples and all 49 river samples. The monophyly of all river samples indicates that adaptation to low salinity might have occurred only once in the evolutionary history of the LPP complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chlorophyceae (sensu Mattox and Stewart) is a morphologically diverse class of the Chlorophyta displaying biflagellate and quadriflagellate motile cells with varying configurations of the flagellar apparatus. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA data and combined 18S and 26S rDNA data from a broad range of chlorophycean taxa uncovered five major monophyletic groups (Chlamydomonadales, Sphaeropleales, Oedogoniales, Chaetophorales, and Chaetopeltidales) but could not resolve their branching order. To gain insight into the interrelationships of these groups, we analyzed multiple genes encoded by the chloroplast genomes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii P. A. Dang. and Chlamydomonas moewusii Gerloff (Chlamydomonadales), Scenedesmus obliquus (Turpin) Kütz. (Sphaeropleales), Oedogonium cardiacum Wittr. (Oedogoniales), Stigeoclonium helveticum Vischer (Chaetophorales), and Floydiella terrestris (Groover et Hofstetter) Friedl et O’Kelly (Chaetopeltidales). The C. moewusii, Oedogonium, and Floydiella chloroplast DNAs were partly sequenced using a random strategy. Trees were reconstructed from nucleotide and amino acid data sets derived from 44 protein-coding genes of 11 chlorophytes and nine streptophytes as well as from 57 protein-coding genes of the six chlorophycean taxa. All best trees identified two robustly supported major lineages within the Chlorophyceae: a clade uniting the Chlamydomonadales and Sphaeropleales, and a clade uniting the Oedogoniales, Chaetophorales, and Chaetopeltidales (OCC clade). This dichotomy is independently supported by molecular signatures in chloroplast genes, such as insertions/deletions and the distribution of trans-spliced group II introns. Within the OCC clade, the sister relationship observed for the Chaetophorales and Chaetopeltidales is also strengthened by independent data. Character state reconstruction of basal body orientation allowed us to refine hypotheses regarding the evolution of the flagellar apparatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduced green alga Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea grows along a broad depth range (from very shallow to 60 m depth) in the Mediterranean basin. In the present work, the photoacclimation capacity of this invasive variety was investigated in summer, the season of its maximum spread. Natural populations from the Gulf of Naples (Italy) were analyzed for photoresponse on two scales of light variability: a spatial scale (at three stations along a depth gradient, from 0.3 to 20 m depth) and a temporal scale (on the shallowest meadow, from sunrise to sunset). These responses were studied through pigment analysis (with HPLC), and in situ measurements of photosynthetic parameters (with a Diving-PAM fluorometer). Electron transport rate (ETR)–irradiance curve parameters showed acclimation along environmental gradients dominated by variation in irradiance. In the shallowest plants, the lack of a midday depression in both the maximum relative ETRs and the photosynthetic efficiency at sub-saturating irradiance ( α) pointed to a maintenance of energy conversion levels despite the protective lowering of light-harvesting efficiency revealed by the trend in Fv/Fm. On the other side, variation of photosynthetic efficiency occurred with depth and buffered the effect of decreasing light on maximum photosynthetic rates. A previously undescribed xanthophyll cycle centred on lutein-siphonaxanthin interconversion appeared to operate in the shallowest populations in addition to the violaxanthin/antheraxanthin/zeaxanthin cycle commonly occurring in Chlorophyta; this would further enhance phototolerance of the alga. A further role of siphonaxanthin is in the acclimation to low light of deep environments as indicated by its stronger increase from the surface to the deepest station with respect to siphonein and chlorophyll b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrastructural analyses of the flagellar apparatus suggested that Sphaeroplea, Atractomorpha, the Hydrodictyaceae, and the Neochloridaceae, all of which produce biflagellate motile cells with directly opposed (DO) basal bodies, are allied in an order Sphaeropleales. Recent studies of 18S rDNA sequence data supported an alliance of the DO group, but no data from Sphaeroplea and its allies were included. This investigation presented a test of the phylogenetic hypothesis suggested by the flagellar apparatus evidence using sequence data from the nuclear-encoded small-subunit rDNA (18S) and large subunit rDNA (26S) genes, combined with additional taxon sampling. Results from phylogenetic analyses weakly supported monophyly of biflagellate DO taxa and indicated that pyrenoids with cytoplasmic invaginations are present in numerous distinct lineages. Analysis of both molecular data sets supported a class Chlorophyceae comprised of at least six major groups that generally correspond to currently recognized orders or families: Chaetophorales, Chae- topeltidales, Chlamydomonadales, Sphaeropleales, Sphaeropleaceae, and Oedogoniales. In addition, Cylindrocapsa, Elakatothrix, Treubaria, and Trochiscia formed a seventh chlorophycean clade that is new to science. This investigation demonstrated that the 26S rDNA gene provides more phylogenetic signal, per unit sequence, than the 18S rDNA gene and that combined analysis yields topologies with more robust support than independent analysis of either data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the monophyly of the Chaetophorales and Oedogoniales, as well as the nature of their relationship to other chlorophycean orders. Similarity in flagellar apparatuses in a number of genera, including Uronema, Stogeoclonium and Fritschiella; Possible close relationship between the Chaetophorales and Oedogoniales.

In vivo growth rates of Gongrosira [probably G. incrustans (Reinsch) Schmidle], a cushion-forming fresh-water green alga (Chaetophorales) are reported for the first time. The annual radial growth rate averaged 0·42 mm in a mountain stream from northern England and was positively correlated with water temperature (r = + 0·919, P < 0·05). The colonies were heavily incrusted with calcium carbonate (calcite). Photosynthetic activity probably promotes calcification between the closely packed basal filaments, but most of the precipitation appears to be abiogenic from supersaturated stream waters. Calcified Gongrosira bioherms are also described from a subtropical site in Mexico. The survival period for Gongrosira at the English site was approximately one year, and at both sites Gongrosira was a permanent and significant component of the epilithic algal flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the microhabitat and morphometric variation of Chaetophorales and Chlorophyta in tropical streams of southeastern Brazil. Factors involved in the spatial and temporal distribution of the Chaetophoracean species; Occurrence of algal growth in higher values; Diversity of lotic environments.

To elucidate the phylogeny of the Dunaliellales sensu Ettl, the taxon often thought to be intermediate between primitive green flagellates such as the parasinophytes and the advanced chlorophycean algae, the sequences of the nuclear-encoded small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (18SrDNA) were determined and analyzed for five green algae, including three dunaliellalean algae. Phylogenetic trees based on 18SrDNA suggest that OltmannsielIopsis viridis (Hargraves et Steele) Cnhara et lnouye represents an early divergence in the Ulvophyceae/Trebouxio- phyceae/Chlorophyceae dade and has no close relationship to any other green algae, as also suggested from ultrastructural characters. We propose Oltmannsietlopsidales ord. nov. for this genus. Hafniomonas and Polytomefla are included in the dade which is characterized by clockwise basal bodies (OW group). The 18SrDNA trees suggest that multiple losses of the cell wall of the flagellate cell occurred in the CW group, and that the Dunaliellales sensu EttI has a polyphyletic nature. This study also suggests that Planophila terrestris Groover et Hofstetter (Chaetopeltidales) and Chactophora incrassate (Hudson) Hazen (Chaetophorales) are distinct lineages in the Chlorophyceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six different isolates of Ochlochaete Thwaites ex Harvey have been studied under identical culture conditions. All the isolates show open branching, a character previously ascribed specifically to O. hystrix Thwaites ex Harv, sensu sticto, and all form hair on rounded cells in the central part of the thallus, a character hitherto attributed only to O, ferox Huber. Consequently, separaton of these two entities on the species level is untenable. The plant described by Huber is referred to O. hystix varferox (Huber) var. nov. The type material of Chaetobolus gibbus Rosenvinge is similar to one of the isolates studied and is included in O. hystrix. Quadriflagellate zoospores have been observed in all the isolateds, and in one of them also biflagellate swarmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudendoclonium basiliense and Trichosarcina polymorpha are essentially idendtical with regard to the fine structural details of cell division even though one was previously classified in the Chaetophorales and the other in the Ulvales. Cell division in the 2 genera is also shown to be like that in Ulva, as previously suggested might be the case. The combination of mitotic and cytokinetic characteristics common to the 3 genera is distinctive: (1) precocious development of a thick cleavage furrow, (2) centrioles distinctly lateral to polar fenestrae, (3) collapse of the interzonal spindle at telophase, and (4) a cleavage furrow not associated with microtubules. It is suggested that features of vegetative cell division presently provide the best characteristics for defining the Ulvaceae and that the use of growth habit should be abandoned. Despite the fact that a phycoplast is not present in these algae, it is concluded that their affinities lie with genera that do possess a phycoplast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative investigations on the morphology, life-history, and reproduction of 3 cultivated strains of the atmophytic green alga Apatococcus lobatus are presented. Some ultrastructural features are added to the results of earlier investigations, and comments on the systematics and ecology are given. Morphology and cytology of each strain is variable and shows considerable overlapping. The results support the view that Apatococcus consists of a single variable species ( A. lobatus) only. For the epiphytic algal association Pleurococcetum vulgaris the more significant term Apatococcetum lobati is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of the rare filamentous green alga Ctenocladus Borzi was examined on a world-wide basis. All the collection sites are restricted to specific inland habitats. Most of these locations are in arid regions of North America with a few scattered sites in Peru, Sicily, and Siberia. This alga has been referred to 2 genera, either Ctenocladus or Lochmiopsis Woronochin & Popova, for the past 45 years. Based on field observations, laboratory cultures, and herbarium material, Lochmiopsis is considered synonymous with Ctenocladus. The response of vegetative cell dimensions to seasonal changes (i.e., osmotic potential and temperature) in 3 saline habitats in British Columbia was also investigated. Results from the study, along with laboratory dilutions of natural saline waters, showed that cell dimensions are not valid criteria for separating species of Ctenocladus as proposed by some authors. Consequently Ctenocladus is considered a monotypic genus with physiological variants responding to seasonal environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on calefaction and phytoplankton. It states that little is known about the degree of tolerance and the performance of phytoplanktonic organisms at elevated temperatures. It also forwards that the immediate importance of blue-green algae as the lower link in food chains in aquatic habitats is determined since blue-greens are usually refused as food by higher organisms. It also forwards that only a few members of green algae have been subjected to broad studies at elevated temperatures under well-authenticated laboratory conditions.