Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic position of Chlorella-like isolates from low pH environments (pH < 3.0).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Little is known about phytoplankton communities inhabiting low pH environments such as volcanic and geothermal sites or acidic waters. Only specialised organisms are able to tolerate such extreme conditions. There is, thus, low species diversity. We have characterised the previously isolated acid tolerant Chlorella-like microalgae Viridiella fridericiana and Chlorella protothecoides var. acidicola by microscopical and biomolecular methods in order to assess their phylogenetic relationships.

Results

Both isolates belong to the trebouxiophycean lineage of chlorophytes. 18S and ITS1 sequence data clearly confirm that Viridiella fridericiana constitutes a new genus apart from the morphologically similar and likewise acid tolerant microalga Chlorella saccharophila. Chl

SUBMITTER: Huss VA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC126256 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature