Polytomella (paul-ee-toe-mell-a) is one of a small number of green (Viridaeplantae) algal genera which lack plastids. There are four flagella inserting in a square pattern - and only two opposed flagella can be seen in this image. The flagella insert in small dimples at the anterior end of the cell. Often found in habitats rich in organic matter and low in oxygen. Phase contrast.
This flagellated protozoa was observed from a perchlorate treating laboratory scale anaerobic bioreactor (ORP~ -200 mV) fed with acetate as substrate. It was characterized by a pair of anterior flagella, tailing body and intracellular starch granules. Krishnakumar B and Anupama V.N. of NIIST (CSIR) are involved in the bioreactor study. The phase contrast image shows cells with intracellular starch granules and the same released to the medium.