Coelastrella | |
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Coelastrella striolata | |
Scientific classification | |
(unranked): | Viridiplantae |
Division: | Chlorophyta |
Class: | Chlorophyceae |
Order: | Sphaeropleales |
Family: | Scenedesmaceae |
Genus: | Coelastrella Chodat |
Species | |
Synonyms | |
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Coelastrella is a genus of green algae in the family Scenedesmaceae. [1] It is currently classified in the subfamily Coelastroideae. [2]
Coelastrella consists of solitary cells or clusters of a few cells. Cells are spherical to ellipsoidal or lemon-shaped, and are surrounded by a hyaline or brownish cell wall with 4 to 40 longitudinal striations. [3] Cells contain numerous conspicuous vacuoles. Each cell contains one nucleus [2] and a single parietal chloroplast, each with one pyrenoid. When mature, cultures may form a deep red color due to the presence of pigments in the cells. [4]
A distinctive identifying feature of Coelastrella are the longitudinal striations on the cell walls. These are often only visible under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). [2] Due to the scarcity of morphological characteristics visible under light microscopy, species of this genus have generally been overlooked. [2]
Coelastrella reproduces asexually by the formation of autospores, which are released by a tear in the mother cell wall. Coelastrella has not been observed to undergo sexual reproduction, or exhibit life stages with flagella. [4]
Coelastrella species are distributed all around the world, from the tropics to the poles. They mostly occupy aerophytic habitats, such as soils, tree trunks, and on rocks. They also inhabit freshwater habitats. One strain of Coelastrella is thermotolerant and can withstand temperatures of 50 °C for over eight hours. [5]
The genus Coelastrella includes species formerly included in the genus Scotiellopsis. [3] Species classified Scotiella were distinguished by their lemon-shaped cells and fewer longitudinal ribs. However, molecular data demonstrated that the two genera were conspecific. [3] The taxonomic status of one species, Scotiellopsis levicostata, is unclear because there is no known strain for this species. [3]
Coelastrella strains are the subject of recent research, because they produce high amounts of useful compounds. Coelastrella is typically grown on Bold's basal medium (BBM). Examples of useful products of Coelastrella species include carotenoids suchas astaxanthin, or lipids such as linoleic acid. The lipids may also be used for bioenergy purposes. [5]
In addition to chemical production, Coelastrella has capacity for bioremediation or wastewater treatment. [5]
The Thermomicrobia is a group of thermophilic green non-sulfur bacteria. Based on species Thermomicrobium roseum and Sphaerobacter thermophilus, this bacteria class has the following description:
Coelastrum is a genus of green algae in the Scenedesmaceae family. It is a common component of the phytoplankton in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, waterfalls, and temporary pools of water, particularly eutrophic ones. The genus has a more or less cosmopolitan distribution, although some species appear to have more restricted geographical distributions.
Scenedesmus is a genus of green algae, in the class Chlorophyceae. They are colonial and non-motile. They are one of the most common components of phytoplankton in freshwater habitats worldwide.
Chlorodendrales are an order of green, flagellated, thecate, unicellular eukaryotes, within the green algae class Chlorodendrophyceae. Prasinophyceae are defined by their cellular scales which are composed of carbohydrates, and Chlorodendrales are unique within this group due to these scales forming a fused thecal wall. Cells of Chlorodendrales are completely covered in scales, which fuse around the cell body producing the theca, but remain individually separated on the flagella, of which there are typically four per cell. Species within Chlorodendrales live in both marine and fresh water habitats, occupying both benthic and planktonic food webs. Additionally, they are photoautotrophs, meaning they produce their own food through the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy.
Selenastraceae is a family of green algae in the order Sphaeropleales. Members of this family are common components of the phytoplankton in freshwater habitats worldwide. A few species have been found in brackish and marine habitats, such as in the Baltic Sea.
Dunaliella is a single-celled, photosynthetic green alga, that is characteristic for its ability to outcompete other organisms and thrive in hypersaline environments. It is mostly a marine organism, though there are a few freshwater species that tend to be more rare. It is a genus in which certain species can accumulate relatively large amounts of β-carotenoids and glycerol in very harsh growth conditions consisting of high light intensities, high salt concentrations, and limited oxygen and nitrogen levels, yet is still very abundant in lakes and lagoons all around the world.
Desmodesmus is a genus of green algae in the family Scenedesmaceae. It is the only chlorophyll-containing organism known to have caused human infections in immunocompetent individuals. All known cases involved open injuries occurring in fresh water.
Dictyochloropsis is a genus of unicellular green alga of the phylum Chlorophyta. This genus consists of free-living algae which have a reticulate (net-like) chloroplast that varies slightly in morphology between species, and that when mature always lacks a pyrenoid. Dictyochloropsis is asexual and reproduces using autospores.
Dictyosphaeria is a genus of green algae in the family Siphonocladaceae.
Dimorphococcus is a genus of fresh water green algae in the family Scenedesmaceae. It is found as a component of the phytoplankton of freshwater ponds, lakes, and peat bogs. It is widespread, but usually not very common.
Enallax is a genus of green algae in the family Scenedesmaceae. It is found in freshwater habitats, such as peat bogs or wet rocks.
Hariotina is a genus of green algae in the family Scenedesmaceae. They are classified in the subfamily Coelastroideae.
Lagerheimia is a genus of green algae in the family Oocystaceae. It is commonly found in freshwater habitats all over the world, although some species are rare and have only been recorded from Europe or the United States.
Monoraphidium is a genus of green algae in the family Selenastraceae. Monoraphidium is found free-floating or attached to surfaces in water, or in soils. It is one of the most common types of phytoplankton in freshwater habitats, and has a cosmopolitan distribution.
Podohedriella is a genus of green algae in the family Selenastraceae. It is found in freshwater habitats or on damp wood.
Tetradesmus is a genus of green algae in the family Scenedesmaceae. Species of Tetradesmus are found in a variety of habitats, including fresh water and biological soil crusts in deserts.
Trebouxia is a unicellular green alga. It is a photosynthetic organism that can exist in almost all habitats found in polar, tropical, and temperate regions. It can either exist in a symbiotic relationship with fungi in the form of lichen or it can survive independently as a free-living organism alone or in colonies. Trebouxia is the most common photobiont in extant lichens. It is a primary producer of marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. It uses carotenoids and chlorophyll a and b to harvest energy from the sun and provide nutrients to various animals and insects.
Closterium is a genus of desmid, a group of charophyte green algae. It is placed in the family Closteriaceae. Species of Closterium are a common component of freshwater microalgae flora worldwide.
Tetrastrum is a genus of green algae (Chlorophyta). It is a common component of the phytoplankton of freshwater habitats, particularly eutrophic and alkaline waters.
Characiellopsis is a genus of green algae in the family Characiaceae. Two species are known: Characiellopsis anophelesii and Characiellopsis skujae.