Desmatractum
Genus of algae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Desmatractum is a genus of green algae, in the order Chlamydomonadales.[1] It is found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, ditches, and bogs as plankton or metaphyton.[4] The genus is cosmopolitan, but some species are very rare.[1]
| Desmatractum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Desmatractum bipyramidatum | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Chlorophyceae |
| Order: | Chlamydomonadales |
| Family: | incertae sedis |
| Genus: | Desmatractum West & G.S.West, 1902[1] |
| Type species | |
| Desmatractum plicatum West & G.S.West[1] | |
| Species[1] | |
| |
| Synonyms[2][3] | |
|
Bernardinella Choda, 1925 | |
Description
Desmatractum is microscopic and consists of single cells. The cells are spherical or ellipsoidal, and are surrounded by a cell envelope that tapers at both ends, making the form overall spindle-shaped. The envelope has 4 to 20 longitudinal ridges, and may be constricted at the equator. The chloroplast is parietally located and contains one or two pyrenoid.[4][1]
Species are distinguished from each other by the overall shape and size of the cells, as well as the degree of longitudinal ribbing of the cell envelopes.[1] Species that appear similar in the light microscope have very different ultrastructures, and this may be a sign that taxonomic revision is necessary.[1]
Reproduction occurs asexually, where the protoplast divides into four zoospores which are then released through a tear in the cell envelope. Zoospores are oval or elongate, with a single chloroplast and eyespot, as well as two identical anterior flagella. Sexual reproduction has not been observed in Desmatractum.[1]
