A CYTOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE GENUS CHROOMONAS - WITH COMMENTS ON THE TAXONOMY OF THIS NATURAL GROUP OF THE CRYPTOPHYCEAE

The ultrastructural features of five strains which have been assigned to the genus Chroomonas are described. Three were collected by Pringsheim from fresh-water habitats and two stem from Butcher''s marine collection. The morphological features of the cells are compared, with the aim of providing a definitive statement about the criteria which permit inclusion of members in this genus. Strains have been chosen to include selected morphological variations which are probably based upon physiological phenomena. The common denominators of the genus and the distinguishing details which may serve as criteria for a sub-division of individual strains are examined. The taxonomic implications of this survey are discussed.