Dictyota
Dictyota is a genus of brown seaweed in the family Dictyotaceae. Species are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical seas, and are known to contain numerous chemicals (diterpenes) which have potential medicinal value. As at the end of 2017, some 237 different diterpenes had been identified from across the genus. Taxonomy and Nomenclature. The genus "Dictyota" was first described by Jean Vincent Lamouroux in 1809. The name "Dictyota" is derived from the Greek word “Διχτυον” meaning “net” or “network”, referring to the inner cellular structure of specimens when viewed under a microscope, which features netted cortical and medullary cells . "Dictyota" belongs to the order Dictyotales and the SSDO-clade, which also includes the orders Sphacelariales, Syringodermatales, and Onslowiales. The family Dictyotaceae is divided into two tribes: Dictyoteae and Zonarieae. The former have a single lens-shaped apical cell from which the thallus grows, while the latter are characterized by a row or cluster of apical cells.  The genera "Glossophora", "Glossophorella", and "Pachdictyon" are synonyms of "Dictyota" as DNA sequencing revealed that they were closely related. Morphology. External characteristics. "Dictyota" has "flat, ribbon-like axes" which exhibit dichotomous branching that may be either isotomous (equal or symmetrical) or anisotomous (unequal ). Isotomous branches may be recurved, while anisotomous branches may become falcate (hooked), or cervicorn, if combined with twisting axes. Apical meristems of "Dictyota" species have been reported to be either truncate, rounded, or acute. A considerable degree of morphological plasticity has been observed from branching patterns, thus making molecular analyses indispensable when identifying species. Colors of living thalli range from dark brown to green (as in "D. friabilis") or blue (as in "D. cyanoloma"). The thalli grow from apical cells which differentiate into an outer cortical and an inner medullary cell layer. Cortical cells on the margins of the thalli  may grow into leaf-like projections or teeth (as in "D. ciliolata" and "D. cyanoloma") while adventitious branches may grow from the central cortical cells. Thalli may also grow hair (20-50 um in diameter). Thalli attach to the substrate via rhizoids which are multicellular, uniseriate, branching, and hyaline (glassy or transparent). Different species may have one or several attachment points which can lead to a wide range of growth forms (i.e. creeping thalli or fully erect). Internal anatomy. The thalli are parenchymatous and are characterized by one or more apical cells that divide into an outer cortical and an  inner medullary cell layer which can have several different configurations (e.g. uni-layered cortex with unilayered medulla, uni-layered cortex with multi-layered medulla, etc.). Distribution. "Dictyota" is distributed along tropical to temperate waters with species having generally restricted geographic ranges. It is the most abundant genus of brown algae in the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Atlantic coasts of Europe. Ecology. Species of the genus are commonly found in subtidal to intertidal rocky pools. Seasonality in species' abundances as well as fertility are driven mainly by temperature, photoperiod, and solar radiation. For instance, populations of "D. dichotoma" in  the southern hemisphere are highly abundant for a majority of the year but are largely absent in the warmer months, which is when its northern counterparts are most abundant and fertile. Life History. "Dictyota" exhibits an isomorphic life cycle wherein the alternating gametophyte and sporophyte phases appear morphologically similar. This alternation co-occurs with a change in ploidy. The gametophytes produce gametes which undergo fertilization to produce the diploid sporophyte, which then produces sporangia which will release 4 haploid spores through meiosis. Half of the haploid spores will develop into the female gametophytes while the other half will develop into  male gametophytes, starting the process over again. "Dictyota" is dioecious and reproduces both sexually and asexually. Release of gametes follows a diurnal and lunar periodicity. Gametes are often released 20–30 minutes after first light, with peaks occurring once or twice a month depending on the species. Asexual reproduction may occur via adventitious branching following the loss of the apical meristem. Chemical Composition. "Dictyota" is known to have high levels of fatty acids and lipids which makes the genus ideal for use as feedstock. The pigments found in "Dictyota" are Chlorophyll "a", "c," fucoxanthin and violaxanthin which are present in a  ratio of 13:3:10:1. This ratio may be altered by depth. Exploitation/Utilization and Management. The genus is not currently cultivated nor harvested on an industrial scale. It is mainly exploited for its secondary metabolites which are known to have anticoagulant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, among others, making them useful for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications. For instance, there is evidence that methanolic extracts of "Dictyota" inhibits the butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzyme in humans, which could potentially treat Alzheimer's disease. Other applications include its use as biofuel - due to the high lipid content of some species - and as supplemental feeds  for poultry, cattle, and fish. A study in 2014 found that feeds with "D. bartayresiana" supplements could potentially reduce in vitro methane production of ruminants by 92.2%, which may have implications for reducing emissions from the agricultural sector. Species. The genus "Dictyota" contains the following species: