Viruses and Virus-Like Particles of Freshwater and Marine Eukaryotic Algae — a Review

Viruses and virus-like particles of eukaryotic algae represent a rather neglected field of phycology. Neither their taxonomy nor their way of propagation and their ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems are known in detail. In this presentation a survey is given on available data of algal viruses as to ultrastructure, biochemistry, infection mechanisms and putative taxonomic affiliation. Aspects and prospects of future research are discussed such as the role of virus caused diseases in algae (phycopathology) and algal viruses as tools for genetic engeneering.