Chrysophyte Algae : Ecology, Phylogeny and Development

Chrysophytes are mainly freshwater algae which are important indicators of environmental degradation, and also widely used as model cellular systems. For the first time, this book provides an overview of current chrysophyte research, examining existing literature, and suggesting new avenues for research in the future.

Research activity involving algae in the classes Chrysophyceae and Synurophyceae ('chrysophytes') has increased dramatically over the last decade. These beautiful and delicate organisms are pivotal for studies of protistan evolution, food web dynamics in oligotrophic freshwater ecosystems, and for the assessment of environmental degradation resulting from eutrophication and acid rain. They also represent excellent model cellular systems for studying processes inherent in basic metabolism, biomineralization, endo- and exo-cytosis and macro-assembly of cell surface layers. This book gives a broad overview of current research, emphasizing the phylogeny, ecology and development of these organisms. Each chapter also contains reviews of the literature, and presents ideas for future research. Phycologists, palaeoecologists, limnologists and plankton ecologists will find this a mine of invaluable information.