Prototheca
Encyclopedia
In taxonomy
, Prototheca is a genus of algae
, specifically of the Chlorellaceae
. Some species can cause the disease
protothecosis
.
Alpha taxonomy
Alpha taxonomy is the discipline concerned with finding, describing and naming species of living or fossil organisms. This field is supported by institutions holding collections of these organisms, with relevant data, carefully curated: such institutes include natural history museums, herbaria and...
, Prototheca is a genus of algae
Algae
Algae are a large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms, such as the giant kelps that grow to 65 meters in length. They are photosynthetic like plants, and "simple" because their tissues are not organized into the many...
, specifically of the Chlorellaceae
Chlorellaceae
In taxonomy, the Chlorellaceae are a family of algae, specifically of the Chlorellales....
. Some species can cause the disease
Disease
A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune...
protothecosis
Protothecosis
Protothecosis is a disease found in dogs, cats, cattle, and humans caused by a type of green alga known as Prototheca that lacks chlorophyll. It and its close relative Helicosporidium are unusual in that they are actually green algae that have become parasites. The two most common species are...
.