Dictyosphaerium
Taxonomy
Taxonomy
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*Dictyosphaerium* has traditionally been classified in its own family, Dictyosphaeriaceae, or as part of the family [Botryococcaceae](/wiki/Botryococcaceae "Botryococcaceae"), characterized by cells connected by gelatinous stalks or strands of mucilage. However, [molecular phylogenetic](/wiki/Molecular_phylogenetic "Molecular phylogenetic") studies have demonstrated that *Dictyosphaerium* is closely related to the unicellular genus *[Chlorella](/wiki/Chlorella "Chlorella")*, and is now currently placed in the family [Chlorellaceae](/wiki/Chlorellaceae "Chlorellaceae").

Additionally, the morphotype of *Dictyosphaerium* (consisting of branching strands of mucilage connecting cells) is known to be [polyphyletic](/wiki/Polyphyletic "Polyphyletic"), having evolved multiple times. Therefore, this morphotype can now be found in many new genera. For example, the genus *[Mucidosphaerium](/wiki/Mucidosphaerium "Mucidosphaerium")* differs from *Dictyosphaerium* *sensu stricto* in having spherical cells, as opposed to *Dictyosphaerium* with oval cells. The genus *[Mychonastes](/wiki/Mychonastes "Mychonastes")* (including the former genus *Pseudodictyosphaerium*) differs in having chloroplasts without pyrenoids, and more irregular mucilaginous strands.

Other similar genera include *[Compactochlorella](/wiki/Compactochlorella "Compactochlorella")*, *[Kalenjinia](/wiki/Kalenjinia "Kalenjinia")*, *[Marasphaerium](/wiki/Marasphaerium "Marasphaerium")*, *[Masaia](/wiki/Masaia "Masaia")*, *[Hindakia](/wiki/Hindakia "Hindakia")*, *[Heynigia](/wiki/Heynigia "Heynigia")*, and *[Xerochlorella](/wiki/Xerochlorella "Xerochlorella")*. These genera appear to be more or less [cryptic](/wiki/Cryptic_species "Cryptic species"), being reliably differentiated only by [DNA barcoding](/wiki/DNA_barcoding "DNA barcoding"). Their [biogeographical](/wiki/Biogeographical "Biogeographical") patterns remain unclear.


What is the classification history of Dictyosphaerium?