A new cryptic species of the unicellular red algal genus Dixoniella (Rhodellophyceae, Proteorhodophytina): Dixoniella giordanoi. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sciuto, Katia; Moschin, Emanuela; Fattore, Nicolò; Morosinotto, Tomas; Moro, Isabella
• Is Part Of: Phycologia. Volume 60:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 524
• Page End: 531
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: 18S rRNA -- Integrative taxonomy -- Plastid-encoded 23S rRNA -- psbA -- rbcL; Algology -- Periodicals; Algae -- Periodicals; Algae; Natuurkunde; Algae; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 579.805
• DOI: 10.1080/00318884.2021.1984090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-8884

Abstract

ABSTRACT: During samplings aimed at isolating microalgal strains, a coccoid greyish-green alga was collected along the North Adriatic coasts (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) and grown in culture. The microalgal strain (named strain B1A) was then subjected to an integrative taxonomy approach in order to correctly identify it. Morphological and ultrastructural observations and phycobiliprotein content analysis were carried out, as well as molecular analyses based on the 18S rRNA, rbc L, psb A and plastid-encoded 23S rRNA genes. Phylogenetic placement and ultrastructural observations clearly indicated that strain B1A is a member of the red microalgal genus Dixoniella (Rhodellophyceae, Proteorhodophytina) and is distinct from the only species so far described for this taxon. Therefore, a new species was described to encompass the isolate from the North Adriatic Sea and another isolate from Japan (MF-G2), which was phylogenetically related to strain B1A: Dixoniella giordanoi sp. nov .