A comparison of molecular markers and morphology for Neidium taxa (Bacillariophyta) from eastern North America.

Historically, a morphological species concept has applied shape subjectively in the delimitation of diatom species. This has led to confusion between taxa within the benthic diatom genus Neidium. Samples from Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland (Canada) and New York (USA) were examined for Neidium taxa under LM and SEM.

Single cell PCR amplification of diatoms using fresh and preserved samples.

Single cell Chelex® DNA extraction and nested PCR amplification were used to examine partial gene sequences from natural diatom populations for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies at and above the level of species. DNA was extracted from cells that were either fresh collected or stored in RNAlater. Extractions from Lugol's fixation were also attempted with limited success.