Home / Chlorophyceae / Filamentous / Unbranched /Microspora
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Name derivation:
Small (micro-) seed (-spora)
Classification:
Microspora Thuret 1850; 23 of 34 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and Guiry 2014). Order Sphaeropleales; Family Microsporaceae
Morphology:
Unbranched filament with cylindrical cells having lamellate walls that are sometimes contracted at the cross wall. Reproduction by biflagellate isogametes.
Similar genera:
Heavy metal removal:
Aquatic algae can remove heavy metal contamination from the surrounding water. This study examined the ability of Microspora (Chlorophyceae) and Lemna minor (an aquatic plant) to remove soluble lead and nickel under various laboratory conditions. Microspora was tested in a batch and semi-batch process for lead removal (Axtell et al. 2003).
Habitat:
Freshwater ponds, streams, and bogs.
References:
Axtell, N. and S. Sternberg 2003. Lead and nickel removal using Microspora and Lemna minor. Bioresource Technology 89(1): 41-48. Guiry, M.D. and G.M. Guiry 2014. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 08 May 2014. Thuret, G. 1850. Recherches sur les zoospores des algues et les anthéridies des cryptogames. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, séries 3, Botanique 14: 214-260, pls 16-31. Wehr, John D, Sheath, Robert. 2003. Freshwater Algae of North America: Ecology and Classification. Academic Press.