Home / Chlorophyceae / Unicells / Flagellated / Pteromonas
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Name derivation:
Classification:
Pteromonas Seligo, 1887; 21 of 43 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and Guiry2013). Order Chlamydomonadales; Family Phacotaceae
Morphology:
Unicellular, biflagellate and uninucleate algae with protoplast contained in a firm, strongly compressed lorica with smooth, roughened or spiny surface. In narrow side view, lorica obviously consists of two equal sections with contact margins closely adpressed and sometimes raised, forming an indistinct keel. In broad front view, lorica globose or oval, with entire, angled or undulate lateral margins. Anterior end rounded or slightly retuse, or subrectangular and with or without distinct extensions at the angles. In vertical view, protoplast usually in close contact with outer margins of lorica, the lorica with straight or curved projections extending beyond each pole. In broad front view, protoplast not in close contact with lorica except at anterior end. Protoplast pyriform, ovoid or globose, and compressed. Flagella emerge from separate openings at anterior of lorica. Chloroplast principally cup-shaped with one to several pyrenoids and usually with a stigma. Two contractile vacuoles present at base of flagella (Guiry and Guiry 2013).
Similar genera:
Habitat:
Freshwater; widespread but infrequently recorded.
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 09 May 2013.