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Click on images for larger format |
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Name derivation:
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Classification:
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Pleurococcus Meneghini 1837; 6 of 29 species descriptions are currently
accepted taxonomically (Guiry and Guiry 2013).
Order Chaetophorales; Family
Chaetophoraceae
Synonyms: Desmococcus, Pseudopleurococcus
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Morphology:
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Colonies of coccoid
(non-flagellated) green cells form thin green sheets on damp surfaces. |
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Similar genera:
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Habitat:
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Widespread in freshwater, sewage, soil and marine
habitats. Colonizes mammals including
humans, cattle and dogs both externally and internally. When immune systems are compromised it
proliferates in the intestine causing ‘protothecosis’
which can spread to kidney, eyes and brain. Symptoms can include diarrhea, weight loss, weakness,
inflammation of the eye (uveitis), retinal
detachment,
ataxia, and seizures (Wikipedia). |
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References:
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Guiry, M.D. and G.M. Guiry 2013. AlgaeBase.
World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway.
http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 07 May 2013. Meneghini, G.
1837. Conspectus algologiae Euganeae. Comentarii
di Medicina del dott. G.F. Spongia 4:
321-355 [reprint 1-37]. |
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