Elliptochloris lunaris sp. nov. ( Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta ), a new free‐living Elliptochloris species isolated under hi

SUMMARY

Excess light energy combined with environmental stress promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species and leads to cell death in most plants. In this study, we used high light conditions to screen for photosynthetic organisms with defense mechanisms protecting against photooxidative stress, which resulted in the isolation of eukaryotic microalgal strain WF1‐2. Preliminary identification based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequence suggested that strain WF1‐2 belongs to the genus Elliptochloris . To clarify its taxonomic position within this genus, we performed morphological analyses, including light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, to examine the surface structure and cellular ultrastructure. We also conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses using the SSU–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 region and the rbc L coding sequence as well as comparative analyses of RNA secondary structures. On the basis of this integrative analysis, strain WF1‐2 was distinguished from its closest relative, Elliptochloris reniformis , and other known Elliptochloris strains. We therefore propose the name Elliptochloris lunaris sp. nov. for strain WF1‐2.