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First record of resting cysts of the benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum leve in a natural reservoir in Gujan‐Mestras, Gironde, France
Author(s) -
Mertens Kenneth Neil,
Gu Haifeng,
Pospelova Vera,
Chomérat Nicolas,
Nézan Elisabeth,
Gurdebeke Pieter Roger,
Bogus Kara,
Vrielinck Henk,
Rumebe Myriam,
Meteigner Claire
Publication year - 2017
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/jpy.12582
Subject(s) - dinophyceae , dinoflagellate , biology , palynology , endospore , benthic zone , botany , ribosomal dna , zoology , pollen , ecology , spore , phylogenetics , biochemistry , phytoplankton , nutrient , gene
The resting cysts of the benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum leve from a natural reservoir in Gujan‐Mestras (Gironde, France) were described in this study. The incubated urn‐shaped cysts gave rise to cells of P. leve . Morphological observations through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, particularly of the periflagellar platelets, combined with large subunit ribosomal DNA sequences obtained through single‐cell analysis confirm their affinity to the species P. leve . The cysts were characterized by a specific shape and the presence of an anterior plug. This is the first conclusive evidence for fossilizable resting stages within the Prorocentrales, one of the major orders within the Dinophyceae. Palynological treatments show that the cysts and endospores withstand hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. Micro‐Fourier transform infrared analysis on single specimens suggests that the composition of the endospore is cellulosic and the cyst wall a more robust, noncellulosic β‐glucan. The spectra overall are similar to other published spectra of resting cysts from autotrophic, planktonic dinoflagellates.