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Micro Eukaryotes
Algae
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Algae | Human connection: 1. Dinoflagellates of the group Pyrrophyta cause red tides – reported in the Bible and pretty much worldwide today. |
Dinoflagellates of the group Pyrrophyta | a. Gymnodinium breve b. Gonyaulux sp. c. Pfiesteria piscida |
Gymnodinium breve | discolors the water and produces brevetoxin that kills fish feeding on plankton. In humans it causes tingling sensation in mouth and fingers, diarrhea, low pulse rate, and hot/cold perception problems. People recover in 2-3 days. |
Gonyaulux sp. | neurotoxins produced (saxitoxin and gonyautoxin) accumulate in non-affected shellfish. If ingested by humans, these toxins cause: numbness, dizziness, muscle weakness and impaired respiration. Cause of death: respiratory failure |
Pfiesteria piscida | found in marine sediments; can kill fish by sloughing of skin and lysis of red blood cells. Toxins are handled very carefully in labs. |