Role of Light Energy in the Initiation and Development of Tetrasporangia on Cultured Specimens of a Red Algal Species

Abstract

THE tetrasporophyte is the only known phase in the lifehistory of many species of red algae, and no information is available about the nature of the phase to which the tetraspores give rise on germination. Until this information is obtained, and until there are detailed descriptions of the development and characteristics of the mature carposporophyte, the classification of the Rhodophyta must remain unsatisfactory. It is therefore necessary to follow the development of the spores from their release until maturity.