Using the fluorescence brightener calcofluor white M2R allows the visualization of species-specific cell wall structures of thecate dinoflagellates consisting of cellulose. This method is relatively easy to use and benefits the taxonomy of new as well as the separation of known species. As the dye strongly binds to several molecules, it also visualizes structures of, e.g., other microalgae, plants, and fungi. Calcofluor white M2R can be used on live specimens and samples preserved with a pH-neutral fixative. This chapter aims to provide a detailed protocol for staining environmental water samples and cell cultures of pelagic microalgae including critical factors to consider, highlighting advantages compared to other methods, and it shows practical examples regarding phytoplankton from the Baltic Sea.
Tobias Lipsewers (Thu,) studied this question.