Sexual reproduction in the toxic dinoflagellate Gonyaulax monilata
Walker, L.M.; Steidinger, K.A. (1979). Sexual reproduction in the toxic dinoflagellate Gonyaulax monilata. J. Phycol. 15(3): 312-315
In: Journal of Phycology. Blackwell Science: New York. ISSN 0022-3646; e-ISSN 1529-8817, more
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| Keywords |
Reproduction > Sexual reproduction
Gonyaulax monilata J.F.Howell, 1953 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal; Brackish water |
| Authors | | Top |
- Walker, L.M.
- Steidinger, K.A.
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| Abstract |
The sexual cycle of G. monilata was observed in stationary cultures and in nitrogen-deficient medium. The armored, isogamous gametes fuse in a characteristic manner with cingula at oblique angles. Nuclear fusion lags slightly behind cytoplasmic fusion. The zygote enlarges for several days. The dark, double-flagellated planozygote encysts within 1-3 wk. Early hypnozygotes are round to ovoid and contain lipid and 1 or 2 large golden-yellow globules. As the hypnozygote matures, the globules become smaller and the cytoplasm darkens and pulls from the wall. All cysts examined contained only one nucleus. A very dark, uninucleate post-hypnozygotic cell escapes through an archeopyle and within 24 h divides into daughter cells which divide in 24-48 h forming a small chain. The production of thick walled zygotes in culture implies that such resting stages in marine sediments could serve as a source stock for blooms. This species causes toxic red tides and the existence of benthic 'seed beds' consisting of hypnozygotes is now plausible. |
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