Researchers from the University of Tokyo have discovered a new species of microalgae called medakamo hakoo Due to its unique DNA sequence not found before, this species stands out as the smallest known freshwater green algae. Its exceptional ability to be grown at a consistently high density opens up great possibilities for its use in the production of valuable products for both food and industrial purposes.

If you’ve encountered seaweed, swam through vegetation in a creek, or cleaned a dark green aquarium, you’re familiar with algae. These diverse aquatic organisms of different shapes, colors and sizes depend on water, light and nutrients for survival. Ultra-small and invisible to the naked eye, microalgae play a crucial role in Earth’s ecosystem, as they form the basis of all aquatic food chains.

They have caught the attention of researchers and companies for their ability to capture carbon dioxide, their use as a biofuel, an alternative protein source, and more. There are tens of thousands of microalgae species that continue to grow in unexpected places.

“We were very surprised to discover a new species of microalgae in a common home aquarium,” said Professor Sachihiro Matsunaga, from the Institute of Advanced Sciences. “The algae were taken from the water and grown individually. The DNA of the algae was fluorescently stained and subjected to microscopic examination to find the algae containing the least amount of DNA per cell. We then sequenced the DNA of these algae and compared it with the DNA of other algae. The results , did not match the DNA of previously reported algae, suggesting it is a new species and we named it. Medakamo Hakoo (M. Hakoo)“.

Microalgae are made up of relatively few genes, and this uncomplicated form makes them useful for researchers trying to determine what role different genes play and how they might be used. Of the tens of thousands of known microalgae, many remain uncharacterized. With this latest study, we now know that it is not only a new species, but also has the smallest known genome of any freshwater algae, among other beneficial qualities.