Bibliographic Detail
Scott, J.L., Baca, B., Ott, F.D. & West, J.A., 2006
Reference:
Scott, J.L., Baca, B., Ott, F.D. & West, J.A. (2006). Light and electron microscopic observations on Erythrolobus coxiae gen. et sp. nov. (Porphyridiophyceae, Rhodophyta) from Texas U.S.A. Algae 21(4): 407-416, 12 figs, 1 table.
Abstract:
Low molecular weight carbohydrates, phycobilin pigments and cell structure using light and transmission electron
microscopy were used to describe a new genus of unicellular red algae, Erythrolobus coxiae (Porphyridiales,
Porphyridiophyceae, Rhodophyta). The nucleus of Erythrolobus is located at the cell periphery and the pyrenoid,
enclosed by a cytoplasmic starch sheath, is in the cell center. The pyrenoid matrix contains branched tubular thylakoids
and four or more chloroplast lobes extend from the pyrenoid along the cell periphery. A peripheral encircling
thylakoid is absent. The Golgi apparatus faces outward at the cell periphery and is always associated with a
mitochondrion. Porphyridium and Flintiella, the other members of the Porphyridiophyceae, also lack a peripheral
encircling thylakoid and have an ER-mitochondria-Golgi association. The low molecular weight carbohydrates digeneaside
and floridoside are present, unlike both Porphyridium and Flintiella, which have only floridoside. The phycobilin
pigments B-phycoerythrin, R-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin are present, similar to Porphyridium
purpureum. The cells have a slow gliding motility without changing shape and do not require substrate contact. The
ultrastructural features are unique to members of the Porphyridiophyceae and recent molecular analyses clearly
establish the validity of this new red algal class and the genus Erythrolobus.
