Specimen #15 Algae

Specimen 15: Algae

Figure 1: The oval stacked cells (four pictured) are imaged. The outside cells are seen to have two spines on each. Cells are green in this specimen.

Scientific Name: Scenedesmus
Order: Chlorococcales
Family: Scenedesmaceae
Collection Date: September 21, 2015
Habitat: Shallow, ditches, ponds, bogs, puddles, quiet, open waters
Location: Willa's Garden Pond - South Russell, OH
Description: Green; oval stacked cells, 50-250 μm; 4-12 cells; outside cells have two spines
Collector: Willa Schrlau

Key Used: Rainis, K.G, Russell, B.J.1996. Guide to Microlife. A Division of Grolier Publishing. Danbury, CT.

Key Steps:

• Shape Key pp. 31 --> pp. 69
• Scenedesmus --> pp. 148

Ecology:
This type of algae is a common component of freshwater plankton, and is used in experimental work with pollution and photosynthesis issues (Britannica). During sewage purification processes, Scenedesmus provides oxygen in order to breakdown organic matter, helping to destroy harmful substances (Britannica).

Links:

http://www.britannica.com/science/Scenedesmus
http://www.labome.org/topics/organisms/algae/green/scenedesmus-2232.html
http://dbmuseblade.colorado.edu/DiatomTwo/sbsac_site/genus.php?g=Scenedesmus
http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=6104

Algae Links:

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/greenalgae/greenalgae.html
http://botany.si.edu/projects/algae/
http://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/algal-biofuels
http://tolweb.org/accessory/Algae:_Protists_with_Chloroplasts?acc_id=52