Studies on the Cell Wall of Dinoflagellate Resting Cysts: MorphologicalDevelopment, Ultrastructure, and Chemical Composition

摘要

This thesis presents a series of investigations on the specialized cell coveringof a dormant stage (the resting cyst) in the life cycle of the marine dinoflagellate Lingulodiniwn polyecfra. These cell walls, along with those of resting cysts formed by many other dinoflagellate species, are resistant to degradation and persist in the depositional environment Selective preservation of these materials has created a rich dinoflagellate fossil record (extending back -225 million years) which has shown great utility in biostratigraphic applications. By elucidating the nature of resting cyst walls and directly observing their development in laboratory cultures, the research presented here addresses several long-standing questions regarding both the paleontology and biology of dinoflagellates.