Comparative flagellar morphology of spermatozoids of the dictyotales (Phaeophyceae)

Abstract

The flagellar structure of the spermatozoids of Dktyota diemensis, Dilophus marginatus, Dilophus fastigiatus, Pachydictyon paniculaium, Lobospira bicuspidata, Dictyopteris muelleri, Dictyopteris acrostichoides, Padina fraseri, Taonia australasica, Homoeostrichus sinclairii, Zonaria angustata, Zonaria spiralis and Zonaria tumeriana has been investigated. The spermatozoids of Zonaria angustata, Zonaria spiralis and Zonaria tumeriana are biflagellate and possess a short posterior flagellum. Spermatozoids of the other species have only an anterior flagellum. In all species there are two rows of tripartite hairs and a terminal acronema on the anterior flagellum. A row of spines was observed on the anterior flagellum in nine species. Spine number, height and distribution along the flagellum vary among different generic groupings. The phylogenetic implications of flagellar architecture in the Dictyotales are discussed. © 1993 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.