Uroglena Ehrenberg, 1834
Holotype species: Uroglena volvox Ehrenberg
Original publication and holotype designation: Ehrenberg, C.G. (1834). Dritter Beitrag zur Erkenntniss grosser Organisation in der Richtung des kleinsten Raumes. Abhandlungen der Königlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1833: 145-336, pls I-XIII.
Request PDFDescription: Colonies free-swimming, up to 3 mm in diam., consisting of a great number of cells which are radially arranged at the periphery of a spherical to ellipsoid or more irregular gelatinous matrix. Interior of the matrix fairly homogeneous or containing a system of fine, radiating and branched threads to which the cells are attached by their pointed posterior ends. Individual cells Ochromonas-like, spherical to ellipsoid or pyriform, bearing two flagella of unequal length at the anterior end. Chloroplasts 1-2, laminate to discoid, at least in one species containing a pyrenoid, stigma usually one, rarely two or lacking altogether. Protoplast also containing 1-3 contractile vacuoles and numerous mucocysts lying just under the cell surface and apparently giving rise to the gelatinous threads. Cells and colonies of Uroglena are extremely delicate and the slightest disturbance may break them up. Amoeboid flagellated cells have also been observed. Cell division is longitudinal and colony reproduction appears to take place by constriction into two daughter colonies or by fragmentation. Stomatocysts, sometimes binucleate and possessing a conspicuous wall ornamentation, have been observed in several species. Found almost exclusively in freshwater, one species marine. Some of the species are of abundant occurrence and very characteristic in clear water lakes in temperate regions worldwide. Species of Uroglena may produce a disagreeable fishy odor in water supplies.
Information contributed by: H. R. Preisig. The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2021-10-18 by M.D. Guiry.
Taxonomic status: This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.
Gender: This genus name is currently treated as feminine.
Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Wujek, D.E. & Thompson, R.H. (2002). The genera Uroglena, Uroglenopsis and Eusphaerella (Chrysophyceae). Phycologia 41: 293-305, 24 figs.
Comments: Kristiansen & Preisig (2001: 9) record this genus as alternately being a member of the family Ochromonadaceae Lemmerman 1899.
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Contributors
Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera,
organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA)
and intended to be published in CD format.
These AlgaeBase descriptions are now being continually updated, and each current contributor is identified above.
The PSA and AlgaeBase warmly acknowledge the generosity of all past and present contributors and particularly the work of Dr Parker.
Descriptions of chrysophyte genera were subsequently published in J. Kristiansen & H.R. Preisig (eds.). 2001. Encyclopedia of Chrysophyte Genera. Bibliotheca Phycologica 110: 1-260.
Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=43792
Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 18 October 2021. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 24 April 2024
