Monoraphidium
Genus of algae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Monoraphidium is a genus of green algae in the family Selenastraceae.[2] Monoraphidium is found free-floating or attached to surfaces in water, or in soils.[1] It is one of the most common types of phytoplankton in freshwater habitats, and has a cosmopolitan distribution.[3]
| Monoraphidium | |
|---|---|
| |
| Monoraphidium arcuatum | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Chlorophyceae |
| Order: | Sphaeropleales |
| Family: | Selenastraceae |
| Genus: | Monoraphidium Komárková-Legnerová |
| Type species | |
| Monoraphidium neglectum (Berkeley) Komárková-Legnerová[1] | |
| Species | |
| |
Monoraphidium consists of single cells, which are 2-182 by 1-8 micrometers. The cell is straight to lunate to sigmoid or helically shaped. Cells contain a single nucleus, a single parietal chloroplast and a single pyrenoid lacking a starch sheath (or no pyrenoid at all). Reproduction occurs asexually by autospores.[1]
It is similar to and often confused with the related genus Ankistrodesmus, from which it differs by being typically unicellular.[4]
Some species and strains of Monoraphidium, such as Monoraphidium neglectum, are promising candidates for commercial biofuel production.[5]
