Schizochlamys | |
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Scientific classification | |
Clade: | Viridiplantae |
Division: | Chlorophyta |
Class: | Chlorophyceae |
Order: | Sphaeropleales |
Family: | Schizochlamydaceae |
Genus: | Schizochlamys Braun ex Kützing, 1849 |
Type species | |
Schizochlamys gelatinosa Braun [1] | |
Species [1] | |
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Schizochlamys is a genus of green algae in the family Schizochlamydaceae. [1] It is found in freshwater habitats and is planktonic. [2]
Schizochlamys forms many-celled colonies that are microscopic, but sometimes becoming large enough to see with the naked eye. Cells are distributed throughout the colony in aggregations of two or four, and are embedded in mucilage. Near the cells are fragments of the mother cell wall that are left behind. [3] Cells have one to 16 very long pseudoflagella, and inside bear two contractile vacuoles and one or two chloroplasts with (sometimes with pyrenoids), which are for starch production. However, Schizochlamys appears to store energy mainly in the form of lipids. [4]
The taxonomy of Schizochlamys is incomplete, with most species imperfectly known. [4] In some classifications, the genus Schizochlamydella is separate from Schizochlamys in having cells with one to 16 pseudoflagella arranged in groups of two to four, while Schizochlamyssensu stricto has cells with exactly 16 pseudoflagella in four groups. [2]
Chlorophyta is a division of green algae informally called chlorophytes.
Desmidiales, commonly called the desmids, are an order in the Charophyta, a division of green algae in which the land plants (Embryophyta) emerged. Desmids consist of single-celled microscopic green algae. Because desmids are highly symmetrical, attractive, and come in a diversity of forms, they are popular subjects for microscopists, both amateur and professional.
Polytoma is a genus of flagellates in the family Chlamydomonadaceae. Algae are similar to the genus Chlamydomonas, but lack chlorophyll and are colorless. Although they are not photosynthetic, they are grouped with the green algae because they are phylogenetically related to, and derived from, flagellate green algae.
Asteromonas is a genus of green algae in the family Asteromonadaceae. It has been described from saline, marine, and brackish environments. It is closely related to the genus Dunaliella, another genus common in saline waters.
Carteria is a genus of green algae in the family Chlamydomonadaceae. Carteria are similar in morphology to the common genus Chlamydomonas and differ by having four, rather than two, flagella at the vegetative stage.
Characium is a genus of green algae in the family Characiaceae. It is very commonly found in freshwater habitats, where it is attached to phytoplankton or zooplankton.
Chlainomonas is a genus of algae in the family Chlamydomonadaceae. They are found in freshwater habitats or on snow, where they are one of the main algae responsible for causing watermelon snow.
Chlorococcum is a genus of green algae, in the family Chlorococcaceae. The alga may be useful in the flocculation of lipids from wastewater. It can be found in fresh water, but is more commonly found in soil or subaerial habitats.
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.
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.
Lobomonas is a genus of green algae in the family Chlamydomonadaceae, found in freshwater habitats. Although it is widely distributed, it is a rare genus.
Polyedriopsis is a genus of green algae in the order Sphaeropleales. As of February 2022, it contained a single species, Polyedriopsis spinulosa. It is found worldwide in freshwater habitats as phytoplankton, but is rare.
Radiofilum is a genus of green algae in the class Chlorophyceae. It is a freshwater genus; they are often found in soft, boggy or acidic waters.
Sorastrum is a genus of green algae in the family Hydrodictyaceae. It is a component of the phytoplankton of freshwater ponds, lakes, and ditches. Sorastrum is common in tropical to temperate regions of the world, but due to its small size it is often overlooked.
Stephanosphaera is a genus of green algae in the family Haematococcaceae, containing the single species Stephanosphaera pluvialis. It forms colonies of flagellated cells. Although it was once placed in the family Volvocaceae, it is not closely related to them; its sister is the unicellular genus Balticola. The name comes from the Greek roots stephanos, meaning "crown", and sphaira, meaning "ball".
Cosmarium is a large genus of desmids (Desmidiaceae), a group of green algae closely related to the land plants (Embryophyta). Members of this genus are microscopic and found in freshwater habitats around the world.
Xanthidium is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae.
Tetrastrum is a genus of green algae (Chlorophyta). It is a common component of the phytoplankton of freshwater habitats, particularly eutrophic and alkaline waters.
Actidesmium is a small genus of green algae in the family Characiaceae. It was described by the German phycologist Paul Friedrich Reinsch in 1875.
Apiocystis is a genus of algae belonging to the family Tetrasporaceae. It is found attached to freshwater aquatic algae or plants. The species of this genus are found in Europe and Northern America, and are widespread but generally uncommon.