| Abstract: | Nanochlorum eucaryotum was described by Wilhelm et al. (1982) as a new algal species with an uncertain taxonomic position. Whereas some features were chlorococcacean, others suggested an isolated position in the sense of a “pre-eucaryote” (Wilhelm, 1983; Zahn, 1984; Geisert et al., 1987). Our comparative ultrastructural, physiological and biochemical examinations of coccoid microalgae (Menzel, 1988) gave no arguments for the separation of Nanochlorum eucaryotum from the genus Nannochloris. This paper is concerned with the ultrastructural composition of the cell wall and mode of reproduction in Nanochlorum eucaryotum as well as in three Nannochloris species. The systematic position of Nanochlorum eucaryotum is discussed in comparison with representatives of the genus Nannochloris. As a result, Nanochlorum eucaryotum has been included in the genus Nannochloris. |
