Mechanisms of Sexual Reproduction among the Rhizophydiales
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The end product of sexual reproduction is a thick-walled resting spore which contains copious amounts of lipids and glycogen stored food for energy. |
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What are the two basic schemes described for sexual reproduction among the Rhizophydiales?
Scheme 1:The stationary thallus on the host becomes a receptive thallus and resting spore. The contributing cell is a cyst (may or may not contact host cell) or a thallus (with or without rhizoids).
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From: Sparrow 1935. Rhizophydium sp.A. Zoospores swim to a host cell. |
Examples:
Rhizophydium couchii Sparrow
R. columnaris Canter
R. ephippiumCanter
R. goniosporumScherffel
R. hyalobryonisCanter
R. planktonicumCanter
R. sphaerocystidisCanter
R. tenue(Sparrow) Karling
sometimes also R. granulosporumScherffel
Scheme 2:The stationary thallus on the host becomes the contributing thallus. A motile spore encysts on the surface of the contributing thallus and becomes the receptive thallus and resting spore.
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From: Couch 1935. Rhizophydium ovatumA. A zoospore swims to a host cell (the green alga, Stigeoclonium sp.). |
Examples:
R. anomalum Canter
R. androdioctes Canter
R. ovatumCouch
sometimes also R. granulosporum on Tribonema
To learn more about the various reports of sexual reproduction among Rhizophydium species, go to the reference section.
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