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CYST FORMATION IN THE FRESHWATER DINOFLAGELLATE CERATIUM HIRUNDINELLA (DINOPHYCEAE) 1
Author(s) -
Chapman D. V.,
Dodge J. D.,
Heaney S. I.
Publication year - 1982
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.1529-8817.1982.tb03165.x
Subject(s) - dinophyceae , dinoflagellate , biology , cyst , electron microscope , dormancy , ultrastructure , botany , anatomy , biophysics , pathology , ecology , phytoplankton , optics , physics , medicine , germination , nutrient
Cyst formation in Ceratium hirundinella (O. F. Müll.) Bergh was studied by light and electron microscopy, using material from several lakes and reservoirs and also laboratory cultures. Cells preparing to encyst build up large quantities of starch and lipid and at the same time reduce their other cell components. The cyst is released from the theca as a naked cell bounded by a double membrane. The most commonly found cyst deposits a layer of electron‐dense granules containing silicon on the outer membrane and lays down a cellulose‐like material between the two membranes. Cysts without the electron‐dense granules are commonly formed in cultures but rarely found in lakes. These cysts appear less resistant to decay and do not show the reorganization of cell contents for dormancy. It is suggested that C. hirundinella has both a resting cyst, forming part of the life cycle, and a temporary cyst stage.