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Name derivation:
Spherical plankton
Classification:
Planktosphaeria G.M.Smith 1918; 1 of 5 species descriptions is currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and guiry 2013). Order Sphaeropleales, Family Neochloridaceae
Morphology:
Cells spherical, embedded in a copious,' non-lamellated, hyaline, gelatinous sheath; at first solitary, later irregularly distributed within the colony. Mature cells with several parietal, polygonal chloroplasts, each containing a single pyrenoid. Reproduction by liberation of daughter colonies through breaking down of gelatinous sheath (Smith 1918).
Similar genera:
Habitat:
First described from lakes in Wisconsin USA (Smith 1918).
References:
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. Smith, G.M. 1918. A second list of algae found in Wisconsin lakes. Transactions of the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters 19: 614-654.