Abstract
An endosymbiotic dinoflagellate isolated from the soft coral Stichodactyla haddoni from the coast of Hormuz Island, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, has been characterized morphologically for the first time. Spherical and egg-shaped cells 6–13 μm in diameter (8–13 μm during mitosis) were recorded. Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of intracellular organelles including a nucleus, a mitochondrion, chloroplasts, a pyrenoid, calcium oxalate crystals, starch granules, lipid droplets, and cell periplast. Abundant stored substances such as starch and fat droplets, as well as the calcium oxalate crystals, in the studied species were a response to the harsh environmental conditions (high salinity and temperature). The composition and arrangement of the intracellular organelles in Symbiodinium cells led to the conclusion that the studied dinoflagellate was cytologically very close to Symbiodinium goreaui Trench & Blank (clade C). In contrast to previous records, chloroplasts were widely dispersed throughout the cell. A molecular analysis has confirmed that the endosymbiotic dinoflagellate identified as S. goreaui is a member of clade C of the genus Symbiodinium. It is the first record of a symbiont species coexisting with marine invertebrates on the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
