Mesostigma is a
genus of unicellular biflagellate freshwater
green algae, with a single species Mesostigma viride, covered by an outer layer of basket‐like scales instead of a
cell wall.[4][1]AlgaeBase classifies it as the only genus in the family Mesostigmataceae,[2] the only family in the order Mesostigmatales,[3] the only order in the class
Mesostigmatophyceae.[5] It is now considered to be one of the earliest diverging members of green plants/algae (
Viridiplantae).
Earlier studies were unable to resolve the position of the species, and it was often placed as a sister to all other green algae, as one of the basal members of the Streptophyta, or as close to Chaetosphaeridium.[6][7][8] More recent studies agree that Mesostigma and Chlorokybus form a
clade, being the earliest diverging
green plants.[9][10][11][12]
References
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abGuiry, M.D.; Guiry, G.M.
"Mesostigma". AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway.
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abGuiry, M.D.; Guiry, G.M.
"Mesostigmataceae". AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway.
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abGuiry, M.D.; Guiry, G.M.
"Mesostigmatales". AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway.