Nuclear Characteristics and Chromosome of Green Algae

In this presentation, the nuclear structure, chromosome types, karyological details, mitotic and meiotic chromosome counts along with the concept of basic chromosome numbers, polyploidy and aneuploidy, C-banding patterns, molecular characterization of some taxa of Characeae and effect of some chemicals like colchicine, triacontanol, antibiotics, alkylating agents, and agrochemicals on green algae have been discussed. When algal materials are treated with mutagenic agents, cytological aberrations of various types are developed which can be used as an important tool in understanding chromosomal evolution. The analysis of chromosome count along with karyological studies play a significant role in proposing phylogenetic alliances, evolutionary trends, and interrelationships among different groups of green algae. The present communication is an attempt to summarize the cytological features and chemotoxic effects on somatic chromosomes of green algae with special emphasis on Charophyta.