MORPHOSPECIES VS. GENOSPECIES IN TOXIC MARINE DINOFLAGELLATES: AN ANALYSIS OF GYMNODZNIUM CATENATUM/GYRODINIUM IMPUDICUM AND ALEXANDRIUM MINUTUM/A. LUSITANICUM USING ANTIBODIES, LECTINS, AND GENE SEQUENCES1

摘要: Morphological features are the predominant criteria used to define species of marine dinoflagellates. Taxonomic problems with some toxic groups has led implementation molecular taxonomy techniques and development a genospecies concept. As result, relationships between “morphospecies” “genospecies” been questioned. In this study, genetic differentiation two sets closely related morphospecies, Gymnodinium catenatum Graham/Gyrodinium impudicum Fraga Alexandrium minutum Halim/Alexandrium lusitanicum Balech, were analyzed. The extent morphological existing within these is same order magnitude. Analysis cell surface antigens detected by preadsorbed serum, glycan moieties lectins sequencing D9 D10 domains Large-subunit ribosomal RNA gene, showed that dinofagellates catenatum/Gyrodinium substantial. Therefore, both resolve organisms as distinct entities. contrast, minutum/Alexandrium indistinguishable using suite markers. findings demonstrated classifications based on may be incongruous. On practical level, provides useful tools distinguish morphologically similar microalgal furthermore can prevent misidentification such impudicum, frequent occurrence when samples fixed Lugol's or formaldehyde solution.