Page 64 - Algae Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology

Anatomy 47

Lorica

These enveloping structures are present in some members of the class Chrysophyceae (Hetero-
kontophyta) such as Dinobryon sp. or Chrysococcus sp. and in some genera of the Chlorophy-
ceae, such as Phacotus, Pteromonas, and Dysmorphococcus. These loricas are vase-shaped
structures with a more or less wide apical opening, where the flagella emerge. These structures
can be colorless, or dark and opaque due to manganese and iron compound impregnation. We
can expect different shapes corresponding to different species. In Dinobryon sp., the lorica is
an interwoven system of fine cellulose or chitin fibrils (Figure 2.16). In Chrysococcus sp., it
can consist of imbricate scales. In Phacotus, the lorica is calcified, ornamented, and is composed

FIGURE 2.16 Tree-like arrangement of Dinobryon sp. cells showing their loricas.