Biomineralization on the stalk of the eustigmatophyte Pseudocharaciopsis (Eustigmatophyceae)

The stalks of the eustigmatophyte Pseudocharaciopsis minuta were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Light microscopy revealed orange-red granules at the base of the stalk. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of the bases indicated that they were mainly composed of manganese. Manganese has not been previously reported from eustigmatophytes. This study indicates that the Eustigmatophyceae needs further study into many aspects of the biology.