Electron microscopic observations on Pyramimonas olivacea N. Carter (Prasinophyceae, Chlorophyta)

Abstract

Pyramimonas olivacea N. Carter (Prasinophyceae) has been examined for the first time by electron microscopy. Cellular morphology and general periplast details are typical of the genus Pyramimonas. However, this species has unique scale structure, the underlayer body scales being of a previously undescribed form. Other distinguishing characteristics are the presence of puncta and the accessory photosynthetic pigment siphonein. A new subgenus P. subgen. punctatae is erected to accommodate this species. The species description is emended to include electron microscopic observations, and each of the subgenera is typified.