Corallochytrium

Corallochytrium
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
(unranked): Opisthokonta
Class: Corallochytrea
Genus: Corallochytrium
Species

Corallochytrium confervae
Corallochytrium limacisporum

Corallochytrium is a single-celled eukaryote which was found in coral reef lagoons of the Lakshadweep islands of the Arabian sea.[1] Although it is an opisthokont, its closest relatives in that group are not clear. For example, it is not clear whether it is more closely related to animals or fungi.[2]

Description

This organism produces rough, pink, raised colonies on BK medium. The vegetative cells are unicellular. Reproduction is by binary divisions The amoeboid spores are limax shaped.

References

  1. ^ Raghu-Kumar, S (1987), "Occurrence of the thraustochytrid, Corallochytrium limacisporum gen. et sp. nov. in the coral reef lagoons of the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea", Botanica Marina [BOT. MAR.] 30 (1): 83–89, http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=1541980&q=Corallochytrium&uid=1110951&setcookie=yes 
  2. ^ Sumathi, Jc; Raghukumar, S; Kasbekar, Dp; Raghukumar, C (Oct 2006), "Molecular evidence of fungal signatures in the marine protist Corallochytrium limacisporum and its implications in the evolution of animals and fungi.", Protist 157 (4): 363–76, doi:10.1016/j.protis.2006.05.003, PMID 16899404