Chlorococcum | |
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Scientific classification | |
Clade: | Viridiplantae |
Division: | Chlorophyta |
Class: | Chlorophyceae |
Order: | Chlamydomonadales |
Family: | Chlorococcaceae |
Genus: | Chlorococcum Meneghini[1] |
Type species | |
Chlorococcum infusionum | |
Species | |
See text. |
Chlorococcum is a genus of green algae, in the family Chlorococcaceae.[1] The alga may be useful in the flocculation of lipids from wastewater.[2] It can be found in fresh water, but is more commonly found in soil or subaerial habitats (such as growing on tree bark, wood, stones, or plaster).[3]
Chlorococcum consists of spherical cells which are single or sometimes borne in small clusters; when colonial, there is sometimes a thin layer of mucilage. Cells contain a single cup-shaped, parietal chloroplast with one pyrenoid.[3]
Chlorococcum reproduces by the formation of autospores or zoospores.[3] The zoospores have two flagella of equal length.[4] Chlorococcum was traditionally defined using morphological characteristics. However, using molecular phylogenetics, the genus was found to be polyphyletic. Therefore, the genus was revised, with several new genera split off (e.g. Alvikia).[4]