Biomineralization Studies in the Hawaiian Rhodophyta
Comaparison of Ultrastructural Characteristics
of Calcified Species to Uncalcified Species
in the Order Nemaliales

Many tropical species of algae, including marine Rhodophyta, deposit calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in their cell walls.
However, a number of species in the Nemaliales exhibit mineralization, with an outer stony covering, and others do not.
To determine the possible causes of this mineralization process, the Nemaliales represent a model for comparison.
Examination of their ultrastructural characteristics as well as their biochemical characteristics may yield clues to the calcification process in the algae.

Actinotrichia sp. (CaCO₃ cell walls), Nemaliales, Rhodophyta, collected Oahu, Hawaii
T.E.M., Magnified 11,000X

Liagora amplectans (CaCO₃ cell walls) Nemaliales, Rhodophyta, collected Oahu, Hawaii
T.E.M., Magnified 54,000X

Liagora amplectans (CaCO₃ cell walls) Nemaliales, Rhodophyta, collected Oahu, Hawaii
T.E.M., Magnified 32,000X