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The cyst–theca relationship of Bitectatodinium tepikiense (Dinophyceae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 July 2001

JANE LEWIS ,
ANDRÉ ROCHON ,
MARIANNE ELLEGAARD ,
PETA J. MUDIE  and
IAN HARDING
JANE LEWIS
Affiliation:
School of Biosciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1M 8JS, UK
ANDRÉ ROCHON
Affiliation:
School of Biosciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1M 8JS, UK Present address: Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic), PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2, Canada.
MARIANNE ELLEGAARD
Affiliation:
School of Biosciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1M 8JS, UK
PETA J. MUDIE
Affiliation:
Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic), PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B274A2
IAN HARDING
Affiliation:
School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Southampton Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
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Abstract

Bitectatodinium tepikiense Wilson cysts, first described from Pleistocene sediments and generally associated with sediments in temperate to cold-temperate waters, were germinated to establish cultures. The motile thecate cells derived were referable to Gonyaulax digitale (Pouchet) Kofoid. For the first time detailed morphological information is given for the motile stage of this cyst–theca relationship. Cultures were re-encysted; the cultured cysts showed a range of morphology from spherical cysts to those with an apical boss. The taxonomy of Gonyaulax digitale and cyst–theca relationships within the Spiniferites plexus are discussed but, given the debate surrounding the status of the genera Gonyaulax and Spiniferites, no formal taxonomic reassignments are proposed. These observations confirm that establishing cultures of cyst taxa in problematic dinoflagellate groupings and meticulous high-resolution scanning electron microscopic observation of the specimens have great potential for elucidating cyst–theca relationships and clarifying dinoflagellate taxonomy.

Keywords

Bitectatodiniumcyst–theca relationshipsGonyaulaxSpiniferites
Type
Research Article
Information
European Journal of Phycology , Volume 36 , Issue 2 , May 2001 , pp. 137 - 146
Copyright
© 2001 British Phycological Society

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