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Nephrocytium
Genus of algae From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Nephrocytium is a genus of green algae in the class Chlorophyceae. Formerly placed in the family Oocystaceae, it is currently placed in its own family, Nephrocytiaceae.[1]
The name Nephrocytium is derived from the Ancient Greek νεφρός (nephrós, "kidney") and κύτος (kytos, "vessel").[2]
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Description
Nephrocytium consists of colonies of 4, 8, or 16 asymmetrical cells surrounded by a spherical to ovoid layer of mucilage, which is formed when the mother cell wall expands and gelatinizes. Individual cells are kidney-shaped to ovoid, containing one chloroplast lining the inside of the cell membrane, each with one pyrenoid.[3]
Reproduction occurs asexually. It exclusively forms autospores, and does not appear to have a flagellated stage in its life cycle.[1]
Identification
Similar genera include Nephrochlamys and Juranyiella; Nephrochlamys differs in having cells that lack pyrenoids, while Juranyiella has granules dotted on the cell wall surface.[4]
Species are distinguished mainly by the shape of the cells (particularly at their apices), cell sizes, and length-to-width ratios. However, cells enlarge during their life cycle, which must be taken into account while identifying Nephrocytium species.[1]
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References
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