| Chlorokybus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chlorokybus atmophyticus | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | Archaeplastida |
| Clade: | Viridiplantae |
| Division: | Charophyta |
| Class: | Chlorokybophyceae Irisarri & al.[5] |
| Order: | Chlorokybales Irisarri & al.[4] |
| Family: | Chlorokybaceae Irisarri & al.[3] |
| Genus: | Chlorokybus Geitler[1][2] |
| Type species | |
| Chlorokybus atmophyticus Geitler[1] | |
| Species[1] | |
| |
Chlorokybus is a multicellular (sarcinoid) genus of basalgreen algae orcharophyte. It has been classified as the sole member of the familyChlorokybaceae,[3] which is the sole member of the orderChlorokybales,[4] in turn the sole member of the classChlorokybophyceae.[5][6] It grows on soil and rock surfaces,[7] and is rare.[8]
Chlorokybus is amicroalga forming sarcinoid, cubical packets of two to eight cells. Each cell contains a singlechloroplast which contains a centralpyrenoid surrounded by grains ofstarch, as well as another pyrenoid (called the pseudopyrenoid) near the edge of the chloroplast which lacks starch grains. Mature packets produce a layer of mucilage surrounding the cells.[7]
Chlorokybus reproduces asexually by formingautospores. The autospores can also differentiate intozoospores, which have twoflagella. Zoospores can form groups of up to 32 cells. Zoospores swim to a new location and then settle, retracting their flagella and creating a new vegetative cell.[7]
Chlorokybus atmophyticus was once thought to be the only species in the genus.[8] In 2021, a study showed that there were at least four other species, morphologically indistinguishable, but with deep genomic differences, suggesting divergences possibly about 76 million years ago.Chlorokybus has been found in Eurasia, Central and South America.[7]
Chlorokybus was placed in a new class, order and family. The new class Chlorokybophyceae was basal within the charophytes.[7]
Within the genus, the species were related as shown in the cladogram:[7]
| Chlorokybus |
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Classification ofArchaeplastida orPlantaes.l. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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