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SPORELING COALESCENCE IN CHONDRUS CRISPUS (RHODOPHYCEAE) 1
Author(s) -
Tveter Eleanor,
Mathieson Arthur C.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
journal of phycology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.85
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1529-8817
pISSN - 0022-3646
DOI - 10.1111/j.1529-8817.1976.tb02837.x
Subject(s) - biology , frond , botany , coalescence (physics) , gametophyte , sporophyte , algae , astrobiology , pollen
SUMMARY Coalescence of developing sporelings of Chondrus crispus Stackhouse was observed. Juvenile tetra‐sporophytes showed a higher proportion of coalescence than developing gametophytes. Stages of complete coalescence between different sporelings are illustrated. Coalesced sporelings exhibit vertical and horizontal alignment of cells, as well as “cuticular” continuity and secondary pit connections between adjacent, coalesced sporelings. Ultimately the cells in the center of the coalesced sporelings produce upright, multiaxial fronds that grow more rapidly than fronds of non‐coalesced sporelings. Other red algae, such as Gracilaria verrucosa (Hudson) Papenfuss and Gigartina stellata (Stackhouse) Batters also show a similar sequence of sporeling coalescence and enhanced growth. The ecological significance of sporeling coalescence is discussed.