Ultrastructure and Molecular Analysis of the Harmful Armored Dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum

摘要

Dinoflagellates are microscopic unicellular microalgae found in aquatic environments worldwide. Several marine dinoflagellate species are producers of a wide variety of toxins that can cause seafood poisoning, including fatalities in humans. In this study a combination of ultrastructure studies using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular analysis of transcriptomics data was used to gain understanding on the flagella apparatus of the toxic marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum (Halim). For molecular analysis, total RNA was harvested from exponential phase cultures during the light and dark culture periods. Ultrastructure observation by TEM showed that the Cells had the typical dinoflagellate organelles. The apical groove is U-shaped and connected to the anterior sulcal extension on the dorsal side of the epicene. The chloroplast contained two or three apprised thylakoids, and was surrounded by three membranes, the eyespot was located dorsally and composed of one or two layers of globules situated within the chloroplast, in the periphery of the cell, trichocysts, mucocysts, and unidentified multilayered materials.