Molecular phylogenetics of the microlagal genera Pleurastrum and Chlorococcum (Clamydomonadales, Chlorophyta) with the description of a new endemic polar species. Molecular phylogenetics of the microlagal genera Pleurastrum

This research work was started in order to characterize two coccoid green algal strains isolated from Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Land (Antarctica). Morphological, ultrastructural and molecular analyses were carried out on the two isolates, as well as on Pleurastrum and Chlorococcum strains got from International culture collections for comparison. The molecular analyses were based on the rbcL and tufA genes and on the ITS region, with a focus on the ITS2 structure.