Morphological and Molecular Characterizations of Three Species of the Genus <i>Synura</i> (Synurales, Chrysophyceae) from China

Three species of the genus <i>Synura</i> from China are described here. Morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted for three specimens collected at different locations in China. The described morphological features included cell size, scale size, spines...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Junxue Hao, Fangru Nan, Junping Lv, Qi Liu, Xudong Liu, Shulian Xie, Jia Feng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-12-01
Series:Diversity
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/14/12/1092
Description
Summary:Three species of the genus <i>Synura</i> from China are described here. Morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted for three specimens collected at different locations in China. The described morphological features included cell size, scale size, spines, keels, and struts. Molecular analyses based on multiple genetic markers (SSU and LSU rDNA and internal transcribed spacer rDNA) were used to determine the phylogenetic positions of the three <i>Synura</i> species. Morphologically, specimen GZ201017 collected in Guizhou Province was characterized by a well-developed keel and lanceolate scales; specimen SX210304 collected in Shanxi Province was characterized by a less-developed keel and poor silicification; and specimen GD201126 collected in Guangdong Province was characterized mainly by spines with blunt ends or two small teeth on the tips. The morphotypes GZ201017, SX210304, and GD201126 corresponded to the original descriptions of <i>Synura petersenii</i>, <i>S. glabra</i>, and <i>S. longitubularis</i>, respectively. This discovery laid a foundation for the molecular phylogeny of the genus <i>Synura</i> and an enhanced understanding of <i>Synura</i> diversity and distribution in China.
ISSN:1424-2818