Zoospore diversity and sexual reproduction in the lichen-forming genus Trebouxia: From neglected evidence to new facts.

ABSTRACT: Trebouxia is one of the most frequent genera of green microalgae that occur as photobionts in lichens. However, its life cycle is still poorly understood. The contradictory information about the flagellate cells impairs our knowledge of possible sexual reproduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviour and fate of flagellate cells in four Trebouxia species, to better understand their role in the life cycle. Axenic cultures of Trebouxia were grown under controlled conditions. The cell cycle of flagellate cells was observed using a novel technique for real-time monitoring with light microscopy, validated in more detail by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, a molecular approach was used to investigate genomic evidence of sexual reproduction. The zoospores had

SUBMITTER: Boccato E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12477308 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature