New Taxa of Streptophyte Algae (Streptophyta) from Terrestrial Habitats Revealed Using an Integrative Approach

Publication date: July 2018Source: Protist, Volume 169, Issue 3Author(s): Tatiana Mikhailyuk, Alena Lukešová, Karin Glaser, Andreas Holzinger, Sabrina Obwegeser, Svetlana Nyporko, Thomas Friedl, Ulf KarstenTwo new genera (Streptosarcina and Streptofilum) and three new species (Streptosarcina arenaria, S. costaricana and Streptofilum capillatum) of streptophyte algae were detected in cultures isolated from terrestrial habitats of Europe and Central America and described using an integrative approach. Additionally, a strain isolated from soil in North America was identified as Hormidiella parvula and proposed as an epitype of this species. The molecular phylogeny based on 18S rRNA and rbcL genes, secondary structure of ITS-2, as well as the morphology of vegetative and reproductive stages, cell ultrastructure, ecology and distribution of the investigated strains were assessed. The new genus Streptosarcina forms a sister lineage to the genus Hormidiella (Klebsormidiophyceae). Streptosarcina is characterized by packet-like (sarcinoid) and filamentous thalli with true branching and a cell organization typical for Klebsormidiophyceae. Streptofilum forms a separate lineage within Streptophyta. This genus represents an easily disintegrating filamentous alga which exhibits a cell coverage of unique structure: layers of submicroscopic scales of piliform shape covering the plasmalemma and exfoliate inside the mucilage envelope surrounding cells. The implications of the discovery of th...

Source: Protist - July 10, 2018 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research