Gonyaulax
Genus of single-celled organisms
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Through Ether
Structure
The plate formula in the genus Gonyaulax Diesing was redefined as Po, 3', 2a, 6", 6c, 4-8s, 5'", 1p, 1"".
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Classification
All species are marine, except for one freshwater species, Gonyaulax apiculata.
It previously included several species, which are now considered to belong to a separate genus, e.g.:
- Gonyaulax tamarensis (now: Alexandrium tamarense)
- Gonyaulax grindleyi (now: Protoceratium reticulatum)
- Gonyaulax polyedra (now: Lingulodinium polyedra)
Adaptations
Gonyaulax dinoflagellates can produce resting cysts that belong to the cyst-defined genus Spiniferites and other genera
Effect on humans
Although some Gonyaulax species can produce yessotoxins, which can accumulate in shellfish, no harmful effects to humans have been clearly demonstrated; however abalone mortalities have been related to blooms of Gonyaulax membranaceae.
Red tide
A Red tide is a discoloration of the sea water by pigmented cells like Gonyaulax spp., some of which may produce toxins. Gonyaulax spinifera has been connected to the production of yessotoxins (YTXs), a group of structurally related polyether toxins, which can accumulate in shellfish.