Micrasterias Green Algae
Micrasterias is a unicellular green alga of the order Desmidiales and is primarily found in freshwater habitats on the submerged portion of plants. They display a bilateral symmetry, with two mirror image semi-cells joined by a narrow isthmus.
Resistant polymers in the cell wall allow the cells to survive the harsh dark and dry muddy environments along the edges of lakes or ponds. Phototaxis, or cellular movement in response to light, has been documented in Micrasterias and many other desmids.
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Copyright: Cheryl Safren
Department of Microbiology
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