| Ankyra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ankyra judayi | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Chlorophyceae |
| Order: | Sphaeropleales |
| Family: | Sphaeropleaceae |
| Genus: | Ankyra Fott, 1957 |
| Type species | |
| Ankyra ancora (G.M.Smith) Fott [1] | |
| Species [1] | |
Ankyra is a genus of green algae in the family Characiaceae. [1] This genus of algae is closely related to Atractomorpha and Sphaeroplea . [2] They are found in stagnant waters. [3]
Ankyra consists of single cells that are planktonic or epiphytic. Cells are spindle-shaped or cylindrical with the ends tapering into long spines. At one end, the spine is bifid and/or enlarged into a spatula-like appendage. The cell wall consists of two pieces that are joined together at the middle of the cell. One band-shaped chloroplast lines the inside of the cell membrane, and contains a single pyrenoid. [4]
Reproduction occurs via zoospores which are released when the two halves of the cell wall break apart, or through a hole formed in the cell wall. Sexual reproduction has not been observed in Ankyra. [1] However, various aplanospore-like stages and other resting stages have been observed in Ankyra, and need to be studied further. [3]
Species are identified based on the shape of the cells and their appendages. [1]
