Hidden diversity in Selenastraceae (Sphaeropleales, Chlorophyceae): Molecular phylogeny revealed a nannoplanktonic species, with the description of Viridiparva madeirensis gen. et sp. nov.

Author(s)

Garcia, T. S. ; Bock, Christina ; Bagatini, Inessa Lacativa ; Archanjo, Naiara Carolina Pereira ; Sant'anna, Celia Leite ; Vieira, Armando Augusto Henriques

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS; v. 68, p. 9-pg., 2022-11-11.

Abstract

The simple morphology of the members of the family Selenastraceae, common in freshwater phytoplankton, has led to misidentifications. But the use of molecular tools is untangling their phylogeny and unveiling new genera and species hidden under the same morphotype or overlooked by microscopic analysis. Here we propose a description of Viridiparva madeirensis gen. et sp. nov., a small Selenastraceae member, based on the study of three strains by light, scanning and transmission microscopy and 18S rDNA and rbcL phylogenies. The phylogenetic analyses by 18S rDNA and rbcL show, respectively, that the closest relatives to Viridiparva madeirensis are Monoraphidium dybowskii and Raphidocelis microscopica, but with no or low statistical support. V. madeirensis is smaller than M. dybowski and has no cell wall incrustations typical for Raphidocelis. Thus, phylogeny and morphological analyses indicate a novel lineage within Selenastraceae. Furthermore, also reinforce the necessary revision of the genera within Selenastraceae, as Monoraphidium and Raphidocelis. Therefore study contributes to clarify the phylogeny and taxonomy of the family and add genetic sequences of neglected nanophytoplankton to GenBank, including one strain with known potential for biodiesel production. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50054-4 - Biodiversity of freshwater microalgae: germplasm bank and obtaining of molecular markers of cryopreserved species
• Grantee: Armando Augusto Henriques Vieira
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/17457-3 - Traditional taxonomy and analysis of the 18S rDNA, ITS2 and rbcL sequences of species of the freshwater microalgae family Selenastraceae
• Grantee: Thaís Garcia da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 12/19520-1 - Biodiversity of Selenastraceae (freshwater Chlorococcaceae microalgae): morphological characteristics and sequencing of 18S rDNA as a traditional taxonomic basis for obtaining the DNA barcode
• Grantee: Thaís Garcia da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/03177-5 - Applications of the biodiversity of native microalgae in Brazil: importance of taxonomic, systematic and molecular phylogeny.
• Grantee: Thaís Garcia da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/18083-0 - Selenastraceae (Chlorococcales) family: evaluation of molecular marker potencies for DNA barcoding and for phylogeny of the genera Monoraphidium and Ankistrodesmus
• Grantee: Inessa Lacativa Bagatini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/07089-5 - Biogeography of Selenastraceae (Chlorophyceae, Sphaeropleales): cosmopolitanism and distribution pattern in the light of molecular systematics
• Grantee: Thaís Garcia da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral