ALGAE ARE PROTISTS NOT PLANTS
In the extreme environment of the saltworks pans in Messolonghi Greece, three species of halotolerant microalgae were isolated and cultured in the laboratory. Asteromonas gracilis, Tetraselmis marina and Dunaliella salina. Dunaliella in particular paints the water pink-red as it grows in monoculture with cells full of beta-carotene a substance protector from UV radiation. Dunaliella was cultured in 26% salt water while Asteromonas and Tetraselmis in 13%. Asteromonas can also cope in higher salinities similar to those of Dunaliella. All three specimens are excellent working tools for education, research and of industrial interest.
Magnification 1000 X.
Average size of each species cells in diameter in general or along the long cell axis. Asteromonas: 20-25 μm. Tetraselmis: 20-30 μm. Dunaliella: 15 – 22 μm.
Dr. George N. Hotos. Plankton Culture Laboratory. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology. Technological Educational Institute (T.E.I.) of W. Greece, Patras-Messolonghi.
ghotos@teimes.gr