Relationship between the dinoflagellate cyst Spiniferites pachydermus and Gonyaulax ellegaardiae sp. nov. from Izmir Bay, Turkey, and molecular characterization

Mertens K. N., AYDIN H., Uzar S., Takano Y., Yamaguchi A., Matsuoka K.

Journal of Phycology, vol.51, no.3, pp.560-573, 2015 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 51 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/jpy.12304
  • Journal Name: Journal of Phycology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.560-573
  • Keywords: 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, Aegean Sea, Gonyaulax spinifera, Incubation
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Here, we established the cyst-motile stage relation-ship for Spiniferites pachydermus through incubation of cysts with a characteristically microreticulate/perforate surface isolated from Izmir Bay in the eastern Aegean Sea of the eastern Mediterranean. The morphology of the motile stage was similar to Gonyaulax spinifera but had a different size, overhang, displacement and reticulations. Based on the distinct morphology of the cyst and morphological differences in motile cells, we assigned S. pachydermus from Izmir Bay to the new species Gonyaulax ellegaardiae. We elucidate the phylogenetic relationship of G. ellegaardiae through large and small subunit ribosomal DNA and show that it forms a clade with other species that belong to the G. spinifera complex.