Abstract
Excerpt: Flagellated species of algae account for 90% of harmful algal blooms (HAB), and in this group approximately 75% are dinoflagellates (Smayda, 1997). More importantly, the geographic expansion of HAB outbreaks has been attributed to 10–12 species of these toxic dinoflagellates (Hallegraeff, 1993). Dinoflagellates are members of the eukaryotic subgroup Alveolates, along with apicomplexans and ciliates. They are biflagellate protists (unicellular eukaryotes) that possess numerous eukaryotic traits with some irregularities (Table I). Some dinoflagellates produce secondary metabolites of unparalleled complexity. Some may have therapeutic potential, but many are highly toxic.