Original paper
On the correct use of the Spirulina designation
Tomaselli, Luisa; Palandri, Rosa Maria; Tredici, Mario R.
Algological Studies/Archiv für Hydrobiologie, Supplement Volumes No. 83 (1996), p. 539 - 548
47 references
published: Dec 19, 1996
DOI: 10.1127/algol_stud/83/1996/539
ArtNo. ESP142011700038, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
The current use of the designation "Spirulina" for species of the genus Arthrospira, and particularly for the widely studied and commercially important A. maxima and A. platensis, must be discouraged. The unique denomination of Spirulina for the two distinct genera Spirulina and Arthrospira, that goes back to the old GEITLER'S revision (1925, 1932), is a taxonomic error and, even though it maintains a traditional and technological significance, has far-reaching negative consequences. Arthrospira, under the commercial denomination of "Spiulina", is the most important photosynthetic micro-organism industrially cultivated for the nutritional value of its biomass. The problem is that some true Spirulina spp., which have lower or no nutritional quality and above all are still to be proved non-toxic, are grown for the same purpose. It is therefore of great importance to confirm and publicize the separation (CASTENHOLZ 1989), remarking the various differences that characterize these two genera: i.e. trichome diameter, pore pattern, gas vesicles. GC content, 16S rRNA sequences, etc. (GUGLIELMI et al. 1993). In addition to these, we would like to add two other important diacritical features: the cylindrical bodies and gamma-linolenic acid, which are present only in Arthrospira species. In particular, the presence of the latter could be a valuable marker for identification of Arthrospira products. The cylindrical bodies, subcellular inclusions to which have been ascribed a variety of functional roles, remain an enigma. They are therefore discussed in some detail in this article.
Keywords
Cyanobacteria • taxonomy • Spirulina/Arthrospira