Nephroselmis F.Stein, 1878

Holotype species: Nephroselmis olivacea F.Stein

Original publication and holotype designation: Stein, F. von (1878). Der Organismus der Infusionsthiere nach eigenen forschungen in systematischere Reihenfolge bearbeitet. III. Abtheilung. Die Naturgeschichte der Flagellaten oder Geisselinfusorien. I. Hälfte, Den noch nicht abgeschlossenen allgemeinen Theil nebst erklärung: Der sämmtlichen Abbildungen enthaltend. pp. i-x, 1-154, pls I-XXIV. Leipzig: Verlag von Wilhelm Engelmann.

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Description: Unicellular, more or less bean-shaped cells with 2 flagella of unequal length. Cells flattened with the flagella inserted laterally. The short flagellum is directed anteriorly, while the long flagellum trails posteriorly during swimming. The cells contain a single parietal chloroplast with a basal pyrenoid. The chloroplast covers most of the cell surface and contains an eyespot beneath the short flagellum (lacking in one species). Freshwater species with contractile vacuole near the flagellar bases. Cell wall lacking but all parts of the cell are covered with unmineralized scales of several types. Scales of the innermost layer on flagella and cell body are square to diamond-shaped, on the flagella in 24 longitudinal rows. The flagellar underlayer is covered by rod-shaped pairs of scales, in some species overlain by small stellate ones. Hair-shaped scales are also present, forming two opposite rows. On the body the underlayer scales are covered by 1-3 layers of scales, usually stellate and belonging to several types. The flagellar pit may contain a separate type of scale. Under the light microscope the species differ in cell size and shape, length of flagella, presence or absence of stigma, etc. Ultrastructurally the species are readily characterized by morphology of the scaly covering on flagella and cell surface. Sexual reproduction by hologamy. The type species is widespread and well known from many types of fresh water in temperate and subtropical regions. Other freshwater species remain poorly studied. Several species occur in the marine plankton and some are known to be distributed worldwide. Ultrastructural studies by Manton and others (1965), Mattox and Stewart (1977, mitosis and cell division), Moestrup and Ettl (1979), Moestrup (1983), Inouye and Pienaar (1984). Sexual reproduction described by Suda and others (1989).

Information contributed by: Ø. Moestrup. The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2024-02-12 by E.A. Molinari Novoa.

Taxonomic status: This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.

Gender: This genus name is currently treated as feminine.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Masjuk, N.P. & Lilitska, G.G. (2011). Prasinophyceae. In: Algae of Ukraine: diversity, nomenclature, taxonomy, ecology and geography. Volume 3: Chlorophyta. (Tsarenko, P.M., Wasser, S.P. & Nevo, E. Eds), pp. 17-20. Ruggell: A.R.A. Gantner Verlag K.-G..

Comments: Throndsen (1997: 653) record this genus as being a member of the Phylum Chromophyta, Order Chlorodendrales, Family Chlorodendraceae.

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Contributors
Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in CD format. These AlgaeBase descriptions are now being continually updated, and each current contributor is identified above. The PSA and AlgaeBase warmly acknowledge the generosity of all past and present contributors and particularly the work of Dr Parker.

Descriptions of chrysophyte genera were subsequently published in J. Kristiansen & H.R. Preisig (eds.). 2001. Encyclopedia of Chrysophyte Genera. Bibliotheca Phycologica 110: 1-260.

Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=44218

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
E.A. Molinari Novoa in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 12 February 2024. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 22 November 2024