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Dinoflagellate evolution has been summarized into five principal organizational types: prorocentroid, dinophysoid, gonyaulacoid, peridinioid, and gymnodinoid. [149] The transitions of marine species into fresh water have been frequent events during the diversification of dinoflagellates and have occurred recently.
Previously the genus contained also a large number of marine dinoflagellate species. However, these marine species have now been assigned to a new genus called Tripos . [ 1 ] Ceratium dinoflagellates are characterized by their armored plates, two flagella, and horns. [ 2 ]
Gambierdiscus toxicus is a species of photosynthetic unicellular eukaryote belonging to the Alveolata, part of the SAR supergroup.It is a dinoflagellate which can cause the foodborne illness ciguatera, [1] and is known to produce several natural polyethers including ciguatoxin, maitotoxin, gambieric acid, and gambierol.
The molecular genetics of dinotoxin synthesis is not widely understood, [10] but the polyketide pathway involving polyketide synthase (PKS) is known to be associated with the production of dinotoxins. [11] The toxins released by dinoflagellates commonly include sulfated polysaccharides. [12]
The marine dinoflagellate genus Gambierdiscus occurs globally in tropic and subtropic regions. It mainly grows attached to macroalgae and coralline turfalgae. Thus, it does not form visible surface blooms like many other harmful dinoflagellate species (red tides).
Some dinoflagellates that live as parasites are probably mixotrophic. [7] Karenia, Karlodinium, and Lepidodinium are some of the dinoflagellate genera which are thought to contain peridinin, a carotenoid pigment necessary for photosynthesis in dinoflagellates; [8] however, chlorophyll b has been found in these genera as an accessory pigment. [8]
Gymnodinium is a genus of dinoflagellates, a type of marine and freshwater plankton.It is one of the few naked dinoflagellates, or species lacking armor known as cellulosic plates.
Noctiluca scintillans is a marine species of dinoflagellate that can exist in a green or red form, depending on the pigmentation in its vacuoles.It can be found worldwide, but its geographical distribution varies depending on whether it is green or red.