Gloeococcus is a genus of green algae belonging to the family Palmellopsidaceae within the order Chlamydomonadales (class Chlorophyceae, division Chlorophyta). The genus was established by A. Braun in 1850. Species of Gloeococcus are characterized by forming gelatinous, non‑flagellated colonies that may reach several millimetres in size; within these colonies biflagellate cells are relatively immobile, each containing a single cup‑shaped or parietal chloroplast. Members of the genus are typically found in freshwater environments or moist terrestrial habitats such as soil.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Chlorophyta
- Class: Chlorophyceae
- Order: Chlamydomonadales
- Family: Palmellopsidaceae
- Genus: Gloeococcus A. Braun, 1850
Recognized Species (as of 2022)
According to AlgaeBase, the following species are accepted within the genus:
- Gloeococcus alsius (Skuja) Fott
- Gloeococcus braunii J.W.G. Lund
- Gloeococcus grevillei (C. Agardh) Shuttleworth
- Gloeococcus lateralis M.O.P. Iyengar
- Gloeococcus minor A. Braun
- Gloeococcus minutissimus J.M. King
- Gloeococcus mucosus A. Braun
- Gloeococcus pyriformis M.O.P. Iyengar
- Gloeococcus simplex M.O.P. Iyengar
- Gloeococcus tetrasporus Kugrens
Morphology and Ecology
Colonies of Gloeococcus are gelatinous, often appearing as translucent or lightly colored masses in which the individual cells are embedded. The cells are typically biflagellate, possessing two flagella that facilitate limited movement within the gelatinous matrix. The chloroplasts are cup‑shaped or situated along the cell periphery (parietal).
The genus is primarily freshwater, occurring in ponds, lakes, streams, and moist soils. Its gelatinous colonies may contribute to the formation of biofilms and serve as a substrate for other microorganisms.
References
- Braun, A. 1850. Betrachtungen über die Erscheinung der Verjüngung in der Natur. Leipzig: Verlag von Wilhelm Engelmann.
- Guiry, M. D. & Guiry, G. M. (2013). AlgaeBase. National University of Ireland, Galway.
- Wikipedia contributors. “Gloeococcus.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
- Phycokey, University of New Hampshire. “Gloeococcus.”
Note: Information reflects current scientific consensus as of early 2022; taxonomic revisions may occur with further research.