Jackson Estuarine Laboratory
SPORELING COALESCENCE IN CHONDRUS CRISPUS (RHODOPHYCEAE)1
Abstract
Coalescence of developing sporelings of Chondrus crispus Stackhouse was observed. Juvenile tetra-sporophytes showed a higher proportion of coalescence than developing gametophytes. Stages of complete coalescence between different sporelings are illustrated. Coalesced sporelings exhibit vertical and horizontal alignment of cells, as well as “cuticular” continuity and secondary pit connections between adjacent, coalesced sporelings. Ultimately the cells in the center of the coalesced sporelings produce upright, multiaxial fronds that grow more rapidly than fronds of non-coalesced sporelings. Other red algae, such as Gracilaria verrucosa (Hudson) Papenfuss and Gigartina stellata (Stackhouse) Batters also show a similar sequence of sporeling coalescence and enhanced growth. The ecological significance of sporeling coalescence is discussed.
Publication Date
1976
Journal Title
Journal of Phycology
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Tveter, E. and A.C. Mathieson. 1976. Sporeling coalescence in Chondrus crispus (Rhodophyceae). Journal of Phycology 12:110-118. (Contribution No. 751 in the Agricultural Experiment Station Series)