Sorastrum
Genus of algae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sorastrum is a genus of green algae in the family Hydrodictyaceae.[2] It is a component of the phytoplankton of freshwater ponds, lakes, and ditches. Sorastrum is common in tropical to temperate regions of the world,[1] but due to its small size it is often overlooked.[3]
| Sorastrum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Sorastrum spinulosum | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Chlorophyceae |
| Order: | Sphaeropleales |
| Family: | Hydrodictyaceae |
| Genus: | Sorastrum Kützing |
| Type species | |
| Sorastrum echinatum (Meneghini) Kützing[1] | |
| Species | |
| |
The genus was named by Friedrich Traugott Kützing and comes from the Ancient Greek terms σωρός (sōrós, "heap") and ἄστρον (astron, "star").[4]
Description
Sorastrum forms spherical colonies of 8 to 128 cells.[5] Individual cells are kidney-shaped, pear-shaped, or wedge-shaped, or spherical (in Sorastrum sphericum)[3] and attached to a central body of mucilage via gelatinous strands. On each cell there are two to four outwardly pointing spines. Each cell contains a single chloroplast with a one pyrenoid.[6]
Identification of species depends on the size and shape of the cells, particularly the spines.[1]
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs asexually, by zoospores. Zoospores have two flagella each and are formed by the repeated division of the protoplast. Once divided, the zoospores are released from a tear in the mother cell wall. Sexual reproduction has not been observed in Sorastrum, but is presumed to be similar to that of Hydrodictyon and Pediastrum.[1]
