Prasinococcus

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Prasinococcaceae
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Prasinococcus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
(unranked): Viridiplantae
Phylum: Prasinodermophyta
Class: Palmophyllophyceae
Order:
Prasinococcales
Family:
Prasinococcaceae
Genus: Prasinococcus
Miyashita & Chihara 1993[1]
Species:
P. capsulatus
Binomial name
Prasinococcus capsulatus
Miyashita & Chihara 1993[1]

Prasinococcus is a

Atlantic clone.[3]

Discovery

Prasinococcus capsulatus, the only currently known member of this genus, was discovered in the West Pacific Ocean during a cruise by the research vessel Sohgen-maru in November–December 1990. The name "'capsulatus'" coming from the alga's large capsule which surrounds the cell.[1]

Morphology

Prasinococcus have a firm

flagella. The mitochondrial lobe and chloroplast outer membrane both protrude into the pyrenoid matrix which is considered characteristic of the genus. The cell wall has a protruding circular collar which is surrounded by holes which penetrate the cell wall. Its method of asexual reproduction is also considered characteristic - after cell division one daughter cell remains within the original cell wall while the other is extruded.[1]

The most notable feature of P. capsulatus morphology is its large capsule composed of an exo-

ions in the seawater. Research is currently underway to find potential applications for capsulan and how to maximise its production.[3]

The capsule's function is not clearly defined but various explanations have been suggested. One is that it offers protection to newly divided cells which lack a thick cell wall, another is that it provides a template for daughter cells to synthesise their new cell wall. The capsule may also interfere with filter feeding, thus reducing predation. In similar species, capsules have been noted for their

viral particles in impure samples of P. capsulatus has been observed.[3]

The pigments of Prasinococcus include chlorophylls a and b, prasinoxanthin, Mg 2, 4-diviriylphaeoporphyrin a5 monomethyl ester (Mg 2, 4-D) and 5, 6-epoxy-3, 3′-dihydroxy-5, 6, 7′, 8′-tetrahydro-β-ε-caroten-11′ and 19-olide (uriolide).[1]

Reproduction

Sexual reproduction has not been observed in P. capsulatus but its mode of asexual reproduction is quite distinctive. The cell splits into two daughter cells while remaining inside the original cell wall, one daughter cell then begins to enlarge, while the other is pushed out of a small hole in the parental cell wall. The larger cell remains in the original cell wall while the other migrates to the edge of the capsule which surrounds them both. Before leaving the parental capsule this daughter has synthesised its own firm cell wall after which it leaves the parental capsule and begins to produce its own capsule.[1]

Others claim that this mode of reproduction immature cells with thinner walls older cells with thicker walls must first discard the paternal cell wall before undergoing

binary fission and then each daughter cell produces its own new cell wall. This is evidenced by abandoned cell walls residing in mature cells' capsules.[3]

Distribution

P. capsulatus is an important contributor to oceanic

Atlantic Oceans.[3]

Bio-remediation

P. capsulatus is currently being studied for use in

Carbon Dioxide capture, especially important as it recycles this carbon into capsulan which may be a useful compound.[5]

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.2323/jgam.39.571
    .
  2. ^ Guiry, M.D.; Guiry, G.M. "Prasinococcaceae". AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway.
  3. ^
    S2CID 86059264
    .
  4. S2CID 84709702
    .
  5. doi:10.1016/0196-8904(95)00099-Y
    .
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