Domain Eukaryota Scientific name Synurales Phylum Ochrophyta Higher classification Synurophyceae | Superphylum Heterokonta Order Synurales; Andersen, 1987 Rank Order | |
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Class Synurophyceae; Andersen, 1987 Similar Mallomonas, Golden algae, Dinobryon, Yellow‑green algae, Heterokont | ||
The synurids are a small group of heterokont algae, found mostly in fresh water.
Contents
Characteristics
They are covered in silicate scales and spines. In Synura, these are formed on the surface of the chloroplasts, two of which are usually present, but sometimes only one divided into two lobes is seen. The cells have two heterokont flagella, inserted parallel to one another at the anterior, whose ultrastructure is a distinguishing characteristic of the group. Both asexual and isogamous sexual reproduction occur.
Genera
Two major genera are included here, divided into species mainly based on the structure of the scales.
Both are common plankton in lakes and ponds.
History
The synurids were originally included among the golden algae in the order Ochromonadales as the family Mallomonadaceae. They were formally defined as a separate group by Andersen in 1987, who placed them in their own class Synurophyceae, based on an earlier suggestion by Cavalier-Smith.
The Chrysophyceae and Synurophyceae are part of a common clade.