Marine Labyrinthulomycetes

Abstract

Labyrinthulomycetes are a small but very important group of marine fungi-like organisms. Labyrinthulomycetes are ubiquitous, can be associated with living plants, algae, and animals and can decompose a variety of organic remains. These organisms are able to synthesize and abundantly accumulate lipids, in particular, polyunsaturated fatty acids, some of which are of great interest for biotechnology. The scientific information about labyrinthulomycetes is currently accumulating very quickly. Our study is devoted to reviewing presently available data on the structure, biology and taxonomy of these organisms. The review examines the problems of methodological approaches to the study of these organisms, as well as the diversity, distribution and significance of Labyrinthulomycetes in marine ecosystems.