Phenotypic plasticity of wall ultrastructure in the green alga Pediastrum s.l. (Chlorophyta, Sphaeropleales)

• Main Authors: Lenarczyk Joanna, Wołowski Konrad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2016-07-01
• Series: Polish Botanical Journal
• Subjects: cell wall patterns; green algae; Pediastrum; scanning electron microscopy; taxonomy; ultrastructure
• Online Access: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/pbj.2016.61.issue-1/pbj-2016-0005/pbj-2016-0005.xml?format=INT

This study examined wall ultrastructure variability in the microscopic green alga Pediastrum s.l. Its value as a diagnostic character is discussed. Field and cultured material of 21 taxa were compared using light and scanning electron microscopy. Nine ultrastructural elements occurring on the surface of Pediastrum are documented with LM and SEM micrographs. The highest number of taxa showed reticulate ornamentation composed of a trigonal mesh and granules situated on its corners. The paper considers the use of wall ultrastructure to reconcile traditional and modern taxonomical systems with regard to Pediastrum varieties, and addresses the phylogenetic relationships between strains representing different varieties.