Hypothesized evolutionary trends in zoospore ultrastructural characters in Chytridiales (Chytridiomycota)

• DOI: 10.3852/13-219
• Publication Date: 2014-06-04T16:20:03Z
• Authors: Peter M. Letcher; Martha J. Powell
• Keywords: Zoospore; Chytridiomycota; Character evolution

AbstractChytridiales is an order of zoosporic fungi currently comprising species representing 19 genera. Although morphologically and genetically diverse, these taxa have in common a zoospore with suite ultrastructural characters unique among Chytridiomycota. However, multiple states been reported for almost every character that defines the Chytridiales zoospore. Two types recognized, each corresponding to family. Here we examine ultrastructure 52 isolates assess six hypothesize evolutionary trends, using parsimony ancestral state reconstruction analysis. Based on suites states, describe four additional Chytridiales. Five ([i] location nucleus, [ii] morphology kinetosome-associated structure, [iii] complexity microtubular root, [iv] microbody-lipid globule complex cisterna structure [v] thickness flagellar plug) revealed derived states. The sixth character, paracrystalline inclusion, did not resolve In lineages within Chytridiales, trend appears from more less reduced features. As isolate analyze taxa, discover new assist taxon delineation phylogenetic interpretation.KeywordschytridChytridiaceaeChytriomycetaceaesamplingsystematicstaxonomy AcknowledgmentsThis study was supported by National Science Foundation through MRI DEB-0500766 REVSYS DEB-00949305. We sincerely appreciate JE Longcore (Univ Maine) supplying this WJ Davis Alabama) discussions about chytrid evolution.