Molecular and morphological delimitation of species in <i>Strombomonas</i> (Euglenaceae) including a protocol for <scp>DNA</scp> isolation utilising a chelating resin

Although Strombomonas verrucosa has been the type of genus name for almost 100 years, its lack clear diagnostic traits rendered morphological distinction from congeners impossible. As such, a study was conducted combining previously unused data (chloroplast characters) with molecular (sequences nuclear SSU, LSU and plastid-encoded SSU rDNA) extensive literature review. The focused on environmental samples obtained Poland China resulted in 51 new sequences representing three markers (17 nSSU, 16 nLSU 18 cpSSU rDNA). Revised delimitations S. are presented that include detailed characters. In addition to type, we recognize nine species: acuminata, borystheniensis, eurystoma, fluviatilis, gibberosa, maxima, ovalis, schauinslandii, triquetra. Three these incorporated into phylogeny first time (S. schauinslandii). To improve efficiency DNA isolation loricate cells, protocol utilising chelating resin – following lead diatomologists adjusted Euglenaceae is also presented.