portrait

Description:

Micrasterias(mike-raz-tear-ee-ass) is a genus of unicellular algae in the family Desmidiaceae. The cells are flattened and disc-like. The cells of the genus Micrasterias are organized in two semi-cells that are mirror images of each other. The semicells have a distinctive shape with an intricate lobes and indentation. At the end of the lobes the cell wall may sometimes form notches or short spines. The nucleus is located in the centrfe between the semicells. Each semicell has a chloroplast with some pyrenoids. Usually found in oligotrophic, acid waters. This is a specimen of Micrasterias truncata collected in a moor pond located in the vicinity of Konstanz, Germany. Differential interference contrast.