Species Of Phaeophyceae Research Articles

Stability of macroalgal assemblage in the mangrove swamp as an indicator for the health and quality of the Red Sea waters

Mangrove ecosystems support diverse macroalgal assemblages, which are primary producers. Community composition, percentage cover of macroalgae, and physicochemical parameters of seawater were studied at two mangrove areas in the Red Sea, Egypt, from November 2020 to October 2021. In addition, we sought to study changes in the relative densities of macroalgal species of the Red Sea in the two studied areas by using a comparison of our studying data (2020–2021) with previous studies carried out in the same locations in 1997–1998. In order to characterize the spatial variations in algal composition, three 20 m permanent line transects and three 1-m2 quadrates were established at each site. Throughout the duration of the study, the physicochemical parameters varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the seasons and were slightly different between the two sites. Twenty-four species of macroalgae were collected and identified from the studied sites. Approximately 29.2% of these algae (7 species) belong to the Chlorophyta, 45.8% (11 species) to the Ochrophyta (class: Phaeophyceae), and 25% (6 species) to the Rhodophyta. Phaeophyceae species had the highest diversity and richness values at both sites. Comparing the composition of the community during the years 2020–2021 and 1997–1998 yielded no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Mangrove trees support a high macroalgae cover, resistant to most environmental circumstances. The macroalgal assemblages' stability in the two studied areas over the two decades shows the health and quality of the Red Sea waters.

Complete organellar genomes of six Sargassum species and development of species-specific markers

Sargassum is one of the most important brown algal genera that can be used as food and raw material for medicinal purpose, and has various beneficial effects. As the classification of Sargassum species is currently based on their morphological characteristics, organellar genome sequences of Sargassum would provide important information for accurate identification of species and developing species-specific markers. We sequenced the complete organellar genomes of six Sargassum species, including the first complete chloroplast genome sequences of S. fulvellum, S. serratifolium, S. macrocarpum, and S. siliquastrum, and the first complete mitochondrial genome sequences of S. fulvellum, S. serratifolium, and S. macrocarpum. The chloroplast genomes of the 6 Sargassum species contained 139 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and the mitochondrial genomes possessed 37 PCGs. A comparative study was performed between the newly sequenced organellar genomes and 44 other species belonging to class Phaeophyceae. Phylogenetic relationships using PCGs shared by Phaeophyceae species were constructed with IQ-TREE 2 using the maximum likelihood method. In addition, we developed real-time PCR markers based on SNPs to distinguish the 6 Sargassum species. Our results provide useful information for establishing phylogenetic relationships between brown algae.

Element pattern in two dominant species of seaweed from Betsukari coastline - Mashike, Hokkaido, Japan

The present study investigated the monthly of element accumulation in seaweeds. Patterns of As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn concentrations in dominant species of Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyceae, namely Saccharina japonica and Pterocladiella tenuis respectively, collected from the Betsukari coastline-Mashike, Hokkaido, Japan, were investigated. Our results indicated that element accumulation was more related to specific seaweed species than to their supply in seawater concentration. S. japonica was found to be an accumulator of As, whereas P. tenuis notably accumulated Mn. The accumulation of specific elements also affects the coupled patterns between closely related elements. The monthly pattern of Cd was similar to that of As in S. japonica, and it is an element with unknown biological function in the seaweed. The monthly accumulation pattern of Fe and Mn, a well-known closely related element that forms the extracellular surface in seaweed, was found to be similar in P. tenuis. A similar transport mechanism affected the antagonistic pattern of Cd and Zn accumulation in S. japonica. Our data can be employed in the assessment of biomonitoring of element cycles in the environment.

Marine macroalgal biodiversity of northern Madagascar: morpho-genetic systematics and implications of anthropic impacts for conservation

A floristic survey of the marine algal biodiversity of Antsiranana Bay, northern Madagascar, was conducted during November 2018. This represents the first inventory encompassing the three major macroalgal classes (Phaeophyceae, Florideophyceae and Ulvophyceae) for the little-known Malagasy marine flora. Combining morphological and DNA-based approaches, we report from our collection a total of 110 species from northern Madagascar, including 30 species of Phaeophyceae, 50 Florideophyceae and 30 Ulvophyceae. Barcoding of the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene was used for the three algal classes, in addition to tufA for the Ulvophyceae. This study significantly increases our knowledge of the Malagasy marine biodiversity while augmenting the rbcL and tufA algal reference libraries for DNA barcoding. These efforts resulted in a total of 72 new species records for Madagascar. Combining our own data with the literature, we also provide an updated catalogue of 442 taxa of marine benthic macroalgae from Madagascar, comprising 85 Phaeophyceae, 1 Compsopogonophyceae, 240 Florideophyceae and 116 Ulvophyceae. This diversity holds 29 (ca. 6.5%) endemic species to Madagascar. Our results are discussed in the context of increasing threats to biodiversity on Madagascar’s coastal reefs from both anthropic and anthropogenic activities including sewage effluent runoffs and unsustainable agricultural practices such as massive deforestation, leading to ecosystem shifts to algal dominance on reefs, which are recommended to be addressed through integrated land-sea management in a Reef-to-Ridge conservation approach.

Seaweed diversity within intertidal zone of Olaikuda and Vadakkadu, Rameshwaram, southeast coast of India

Seasonal variation of seaweed diversity was studied in Olaikuda and Vadakkadu, the two unexplored coastal areas in Rameshwaram Island in south coast of India. An extensive survey on seasonal changes of seaweed diversity was made study and the data were analyzed for different diversity indices. In each location, 3 transects at 100 m gap were taken and in each transect 10 quadrates, a total of 30 quadrates were taken for seaweeds diversity. The diversity data were analyzed with statistical methods such as graphical and statistical analysis K-dominance curve with software PRIMER package, cluster analysis, multivariate methods, anosim and diversity indices such as Shannon Weaver diversity index, Simpson species richness index, Fisher alpha index, Pielou's evenness, and taxonomic species diversity (delta) index were analyzed by using the software R statistic version 3.1.4. Package (vegan). Totally 74 species including 28 species of Chlorophyceae, 18 species of Phaeophyceae and 28 species of Rhodophyceae were recorded. The study areas are flourishing with 49–59 seaweed species. It is inferred that the seaweeds are well diversified seasonally except summer. The baseline data generated in this work will help in conservation of the seaweeds in the areas.

Bioremediation potential of tropical seaweeds in aquaculture: low-salinity tolerance, phosphorus content, and production of UV-absorbing compounds

Seaweeds have been studied as a bioremediation component to reduce eutrophication in aquaculture systems, but the potential and applications of seaweed aquaculture have not been fully evaluated. The present study aimed to advance the bioremediation and application potential of seaweeds in aquaculture by evaluating interspecific variations in low-salinity tolerance, phosphorus (P) content, and production of ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds. Two species of Phaeophyceae (Padina australis and Sargassum hemiphyllum) were most tolerant to low salinities, suggesting that these species would be suitable for introducing into estuarine, brackish water aquaculture systems. Considering the growth and P content, Caulerpa sertularioides was most efficient in P absorption from the ambient seawater under the common seawater salinity of 35. Two species of Rhodophyceae (Acanthophora muscoides and Hydropuntia edulis) possessed the most UV-absorbing compounds, which would contribute to the reduction in the penetration of UV radiation into aquaculture water. These results show versatile merits of seaweed introduction into aquaculture systems and suggest that suitable species should be selected considering the purpose and efficiency.

A DNA barcode survey of marine macroalgae from Bergen (Norway)

ABSTRACTSafeguarding the services provided by marine forests inherently depends on an accurate understanding of macroalgal species diversity. Here, we provide the first DNA barcode survey of marine macroalgae from Norway, with a focus on the Bergen area, and compared our findings to morphological listings for the corresponding location. Specimens were sampled 14–20 April and 3–13 June 2016, and variously sequenced for several genetic markers, including the five prime end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI-5P), elongation factor tufA, and the ribulose-1, 5-biphosphate carboxylase large subunit gene (rbcL). We generated 655 new barcode records for COI-5P, 11 for tufA, and 50 for rbcL, representing nine species of Chlorophyta, 51 species of Phaeophyceae, and 74 species of Rhodophyta. Sequence data confirmed the presence of 113 morphological species. A further 17 genetic groups indicated the presence of new species for the area, only six of which were linked to formally described species. The remaining four genetic records were uncertain in terms of morphological species assignment and relation to the local flora. We recommend further DNA barcoding surveys in the area, as only a third of the listed morphological species were genetically confirmed.

Whole community estimates of macroalgal pigment concentration within two southern New Zealand kelp forests1.

Light availability is a fundamental factor that controls the productivity and distribution of macroalgae and is highly variable, both spatially and temporally, in subtidal coastal systems. Our comprehension of how macroalgae respond to such variability is a significant knowledge gap that limits our understanding of how light influences the structure and productivity of these environments. Here, we examined the pigment characteristics of individual species, and for the first time the whole community, within one low-light, and one high-light kelp-forest system in southern New Zealand. The aim was to quantify the range of pigmentation seen within the two kelp-forests which differed in irradiance regime. Light availability was 33% and 64% greater at the high-light compared to the low-light site at 2 and 10m depth, respectively. Results suggested Phaeophyceae species at deeper depths in the low-light site may be living at the edge of their photosynthetic ability and pigment synthesis appeared significantly restricted. Even with greater investment in the pigment fucoxanthin, biomass of Phaeophyceae species was significantly lower in the low-light site. Highly pigmented Rhodophyceae species made a greater proportional contribution to community biomass within the low-light site where they likely possessed a photosynthetic advantage. This work helps explain discrepancies in community structure between the two study sites and explores the complex relationship between irradiance and photoacclimation. The comparison of community pigment concentration holds potential as a tool for assessing the relative degree of photoacclimation occurring between sites and provides a proxy of photosynthetic cost under a specific light regime.

The complete mitochondrial genome of an oleaginous microalga vischeria stellata strain SAG 33.83 (Eustigmatophyceae)

The complete mitochondrial genome of an oleaginous microalga Vischeria stellata strain SAG 33.83 was sequenced and annotated. The circular genome was 42,608 bp long with 26.7% GC content. The mitochondrial genome of V. stellata strain SAG 33.83 contained 36 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 27 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), three ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree was constructed to validate the evolutionary relationship based on the complete mitogenomes of V. stellata strain SAG 33.83 through combining with seven species of Eustigmatophyceae, two species of Phaeophyceae and one species of Synurophyceae algae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Eustigmatophyceae were more closely related to Synurophyceae than Phaeophyceae and V. stellata strain SAG 33.83 had close genetic relationship with Vischeria sp. CAUP Q 202.

The Current State of the Zostera marina + Stephanocystis crassipes Community in the Eastern Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Japan

The state of the macrophyte community of Zostera marina + Stephanocystis crassipes in the cove off Cape Tokarevsky (Eastern Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Japan) was evaluated, using the method of sample plots, in June 2014. The taxonomical and morpho-functional composition, as well as the structure of the community, has been studied. A total of 39 species of marine macrophytes have been found in this area, including 6 species of Chlorophyta, 22 species of Rhodophyta, 10 species of Phaeophyceae, and 1 species of Tracheophyta (Zostera marina), which constitute 15, 56, 26, and 3% of the total number of species in the community, respectively. The studied phytocenosis is characterized by a poor taxonomic composition, a high biomass of opportunistic species (auxiliary species on the dominance scale), and the proportions of higher algal taxa typical of the clean waters of Peter the Great Bay. Thus, based on a combination of these characteristics, the Zostera marina + Stephanocystis crassipes phytocenosis can be regarded as being in an early stage of anthropogenic transformation and the waters are classified as moderately polluted.

Conspectus of the Benthic Marine Algae of the Gulf of California: Rhodophyta, Phaeophyceae, and Chlorophyta

The present treatment constitutes an undated, annotated, systematic review of red, brown, and green benthic marine algae of the Gulf of California, Mexico, using the currently accepted taxon names, with the date and place of valid publication, type locality, and north to south distribution in the Gulf. The systematic list contains 730 species recognized in the Gulf of California, including 490 species of Rhodophyta, 112 species of Phaeophyceae, and 128 species of Chlorophyta. Among the previously recorded marine algae, 39 species are considered uncertain records or to have uncertain taxonomic status, the selection of a lectotype for Gracilaria hancockii resolves its taxonomic status, 3 combinations are made for recognized varieties of Caulerpa chemnitzia , and 15 species are excluded from the Gulf of California marine flora. The geographical distribution range of each species is given from its northernmost to southernmost locales within three regions the Gulf of California: the east coast of the Gulf (states of Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and northern Jalisco), the west coast of the Gulf (states of Baja California and Baja California Sur), the islands of the Gulf, including the Islas Grandes (=Islas de la Cintura; Midriff Islands), and islands of the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and northern Jalisco. Remarks, where appropriate, are included on taxonomy, nomenclature, ecology, and/or distribution with the taxon. Norris, James N., Luis E. Aguilar-Rosas, and Francisco F. Pedroche. Conspectus of the Benthic Marine Algae of the Gulf of California: Rhodophyta, Phaeophyceae, and Chlorophyta. Smithsonian Contributions to Botany , number 106 , vi + 125 pages, 5 figures, 1 table, 1 appendix, 2017.

UVR and PAR absorbing compounds of marine brown macroalgae along a latitudinal gradient of the Brazilian coast

Absorption spectra are indicative of biological sample chemical composition and can be used as a basis for the construction of descriptive and predictive models for biotechnological screening or assays. In marine algae, chemical composition can vary due to species-specific differences in biochemistry, as well as intra-specific responses to unique environmental variables. Different indices (UVCi, UVB+Ai and PARi) were proposed and calculated to evaluate how photoprotective compounds vary in 18 species of Phaeophyceae. In addition, they were correlated to abiotic factors. Through this technique, seven main peaks were detected in the absorbing spectra of marine brown algal extracts. The highest photoprotective indices values were found in species collected in tropical areas, where higher solar radiation is observed compared to the southern Brazilian coast. Considering additional abiotic factors, water temperature and nitrate concentration were negatively correlated with UV indices. PARi's indices were positively affected by nitrate. All species collected on the Brazilian coast have absorption peaks in the region of phenolic compounds and carotenoids, suggesting that tropical marine brown macroalgae may have developed an effective antioxidant defense system, suggesting adaptation to environments characterized by high solar radiation. UVR/PAR indices congregated essential information to possible future biotechnological screening, facilitating selection of high priority species or sites, fostering actions to enhance alternative sustainable management strategies of coastal environments.

Light dose versus rate of delivery: implications for macroalgal productivity.

The role of how light is delivered over time is an area of macroalgal photosynthesis that has been overlooked but may play a significant role in controlling rates of productivity and the structure and persistence of communities. Here we present data that quantify the relative influence of total quantum dose and delivery rate on the photosynthetic productivity of five ecologically important Phaeophyceae species from southern New Zealand. Results suggested that greater net oxygen production occurs when light is delivered at a lower photon flux density (PFD) over a longer period compared to a greater PFD over a shorter period, given the same total dose. This was due to greater efficiency (α) at a lower PFD which, for some species, meant a compensatory effect can occur. This resulted in equal or greater productivity even when the total quantum dose of the lower PFD was significantly reduced. It was also shown that light limitation at Huriawa Peninsula, where macroaglae were sourced, may be restricting the acclimation potential of species at greater depths, and that even at shallow depth periods of significant light limitation are likely to occur. This research is of particular interest as the variability of light delivery to coastal reef systems increases as a result of anthropogenic disturbances, and as the value of in situ community primary productivity estimates is recognised.

Species composition and structure of macrophytobenthos in the lower part of the photic zone of the Kolvitsa inlet (Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea)

The Kolvitsa inlet of the Kandalaksha Bay is a poorly studied part of the White Sea. Sampling was carried out in intertidal and subtidal (using diving equipment) zones from 15 to 21 July 2016. Fifty species of macroalgae were found: 9 species of Chlorophyta, 18 species of Phaeophyceae, and 23 species of Rhodophyta. First records of Choreocolax polysiphoniae and Coccotylus hartzii in the Kandalaksha Bay are reported. The red algal zone at the Kolvitsa inlet extends at the depths from 7 to 17–18 m. Zonation and phytocoenoses with high species richness at the red algal belt were discovered. Community of Odonthalia dentata inhabits the depth of 7–8 m and includes 31 species of seaweeds with their average biomass 282.1 ± 37.6 g/m2; the height of vegetation is 20 cm; Coccotylus truncatus and Polysiphonia stricta are subdominants. Community of C. truncatus inhabits the depths from 8–9 to 11–12 m and includes 35 species of seaweeds with their average biomass 157.4 ± 92.2 g/m2; the height of vegetation is 10 cm; P. stricta, O. dentata and Phycodrys rubens are subdominants. Community of C. truncatus and P. rubens inhabits the depths from 11–12 to 14–15 m and includes 26 species of seaweeds with their average biomass 41.9 ± 1.1 g/m2; the height of vegetation is 5–6 cm; Euthora cristata is a subdominant. Few species of red cortical calcareous algae inhabit the depths from 15 to 18 m. Thirty two epiphytic algae were found. Secondary holdfasts on the erect filaments of Polysiphonia stricta were detected as a specific adaptation for attachment to basiphytes. Most of the epiphytes grow on three species mainly. C. truncatus may be considered as consorcium forming inside the phytocoenoses of the lower part of the photic zone because the biomass of its epiphytes is comparable with that of seaweeds on the ground in the same community.

Large brown seaweeds of the British Isles: Evidence of changes in abundance over four decades

The large brown seaweeds (macroalgae) are keystone species in intertidal and shallow subtidal marine ecosystems and are harvested for food and other products. Recently, there have been sporadic, often anecdotal, reports of local abundance declines around the British Isles, but regional surveys have rarely revisited sites to determine possible changes. An assessment was undertaken of changes in the abundance of large brown seaweeds around the British Isles using historical survey data, and determination of whether any changes were linked with climate change. Data were analysed from multiple surveys for 14 habitat-forming and commercially important species of Phaeophyceae, covering orders Laminariales, Fucales and Tilopteridales. Changes in abundance were assessed for sites over the period 1974–2010. Trends in distribution were compared to summer and winter sea surface temperatures (SST). Results revealed regional patterns of both increase and decrease in abundance for multiple species, with significant declines in the south for kelp species and increases in northern and central areas for some kelp and wracks. Abundance patterns of 10 of the 14 species showed a significant association with SSTs, but there was a mixture of positive and negative responses. This is the first British Isles-wide observation of declining abundance of large brown seaweeds. Historical surveys provide useful data to examine trends in abundance, but the ad hoc nature of these studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Although the British Isles remains a stronghold for large brown algae, it is imperative that systematic surveys are undertaken to monitor changes.

DISTRIBUTIONAND DIVERSITY OF MACRO ALGAE COMMUNITIES IN THE AMBON BAY

&lt;p&gt;Water conditions affected by natural and anthropogenic parameters such as sedimentation and solid waste disposal can influence the growth and distribution of macro algae. Sustainable management efforts can reduce damage on the Gulf coast of Ambon due to human activities and land clearing. This study was conducted in October 2008 using the transect method with 3 replicates in five locations i.e., Tantui, Air Salobar, Hative Besar, Halong, and Lateri. The interior and exterior waters of Ambon Bay contained different habitat conditions due to sedimentation processes. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution and diversity of macro algae communities in the Ambon Bay. The results found 21 species of macro- algae consisting of 10 species of Rhodhophyceae, 6 species of Chlorophyceae, and 5 species of Phaeophyceae. The highest density value of seaweed in Tantui was 389.0 g/m² of Chlorophyceae of Halimeda genus. In Air Salobar and Halong, the highest density value was Rhodophyceae of Gracilaria genus of 172.0 g/m² and 155.0 g/m², respectively. For the other genus in the Tantui and Lateri regions were dominated by Ulva at 92.10 gr/m2 and Padina of 20.0 gr/m2, respectively. The highest dominance of macro algae in the Hative Besar was found Chlorophyceae of Halimeda genus of 2.93 %, in the Air Salobar of Phaeophyceae of Turbinaria genus of 1.43 %. The difference values in density and the dominance of macro algae indicated an influence of habitat and environment due to seasons, sediment, and solid waste disposal to the diversity of macro algae.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Keywords: Diversity, macro algae, Ambon Bay.&lt;/p&gt;

DISTRIBUTIONAND DIVERSITY OF MACRO ALGAE COMMUNITIES IN THE AMBON BAY

Water conditions affected by natural and anthropogenic parameters such as sedimentation and solid waste disposal can influence the growth and distribution of macro algae. Sustainable management efforts can reduce damage on the Gulf coast of Ambon due to human activities and land clearing. This study was conducted in October 2008 using the transect method with 3 replicates in five locations i.e., Tantui, Air Salobar, Hative Besar, Halong, and Lateri. The interior and exterior waters of Ambon Bay contained different habitat conditions due to sedimentation processes. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution and diversity of macro algae communities in the Ambon Bay. The results found 21 species of macro- algae consisting of 10 species of Rhodhophyceae, 6 species of Chlorophyceae, and 5 species of Phaeophyceae. The highest density value of seaweed in Tantui was 389.0 g/m² of Chlorophyceae of Halimeda genus. In Air Salobar and Halong, the highest density value was Rhodophyceae of Gracilaria genus of 172.0 g/m² and 155.0 g/m², respectively. For the other genus in the Tantui and Lateri regions were dominated by Ulva at 92.10 gr/m2 and Padina of 20.0 gr/m2, respectively. The highest dominance of macro algae in the Hative Besar was found Chlorophyceae of Halimeda genus of 2.93 %, in the Air Salobar of Phaeophyceae of Turbinaria genus of 1.43 %. The difference values in density and the dominance of macro algae indicated an influence of habitat and environment due to seasons, sediment, and solid waste disposal to the diversity of macro algae. Keywords: Diversity, macro algae, Ambon Bay.

Comparative analysis on transcriptome sequencings of six Sargassum species in China

Species of Sargassum are distributed worldwide, and are of great ecological and economic importance in marine ecosystems and bioresources. In this study, transcriptome sequencings of six Sargassum species were performed for the first time using an Illumina platform. For each sample, a total of 2.1–2.5 Gb of nucleotides are collected and assembled into 69 871–116 790 scaffolds, with an average length of 410–550 bp and N50 length of 756–1 462 bp. A total of 20 512–28 684 unigenes of each sample were annotated and compared well with known gene sequences from nr database. Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were also performed for further understanding of gene functions and regulation pathways. Gene expression levels were calculated based on RPKM values and compared among these species, especially for those genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. Cluster analyses indicated that the differences of global gene expression between S. fusiforme, which was nominated as Hizikia fusiformis before, and other five species were not significant. Further phylogenetic analysis of 108 orthologous genes confirmed that S. fusiforme had closer relationship with S. hemiphyllum rather than S. horneri. These transcriptome data provided valuable information for better understanding of genome and gene characteristics of Sargassum algae and benefiting comparative and phylogenetic studies of Phaeophyceae species in future studies.

Transcriptome sequencing of essential marine brown and red algal species in China and its significance in algal biology and phylogeny

Most phaeophytes (brown algae) and rhodophytes (red algae) dwell exclusively in marine habitats and play important roles in marine ecology and biodiversity. Many of these brown and red algae are also important resources for industries such as food, medicine and materials due to their unique metabolisms and metabolites. However, many fundamental questions surrounding their origins, early diversification, taxonomy, and special metabolisms remain unsolved because of poor molecular bases in brown and red algal study. As part of the 1 000 Plant Project, the marine macroalgal transcriptomes of 19 Phaeophyceae species and 21 Rhodophyta species from China’s coast were sequenced, covering a total of 2 phyla, 3 classes, 11 orders, and 19 families. An average of 2 Gb per sample and a total 87.3 Gb of RNA-seq raw data were generated. Approximately 15 000 to 25 000 unigenes for each brown algal sample and 5 000 to 10 000 unigenes for each red algal sample were annotated and analyzed. The annotation results showed obvious differences in gene expression and genome characteristics between red algae and brown algae; these differences could even be seen between multicellular and unicellular red algae. The results elucidate some fundamental questions about the phylogenetic taxonomy within phaeophytes and rhodophytes, and also reveal many novel metabolic pathways. These pathways include algal CO2 fixation and particular carbohydrate metabolisms, and related gene/gene family characteristics and evolution in brown and red algae. These findings build on known algal genetic information and significantly improve our understanding of algal biology, biodiversity, evolution, and potential utilization of these marine algae.

Notes on the marine algae of the International Biosphere ReserveSeaflower,Caribbean Colombia II: diversity of drift algae in San Andres island, Caribbean Colombia

Drifting and wrack seaweeds were collected from four beaches off San Andres island, Caribbean Colombia, between February and November 2009 for a taxonomic survey of the floating flora in the area. We found 1 species of Cyanophyta, 28 species of Rhodophyta, 26 species of Phaeophyceae, and 26 species of Chlorophyta, for a total of 80 taxa. Of these, 24 species (30% of the species encountered) were new records, 18 for the archipelago and 6 for Colombia. These new records increase by 11.9% the number of species in the region recorded to date. The Phaeophyceae constituted the largest biomass, and most Rhodophyta species found were small epiphytes on Padina, Dictyota and Dictyopteris.