The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter I

Desmidium

Habitat:

 

Desmidium is a desmid, a unicellular alga that belongs to a group of green algae known as desmids.  They grow in standing freshwater that is free from pollution.

 

Importance:

 

Due to the their dependence on clear, relatively nutrient-poor waters, microorganisms like Desmidium are excellent indicator organisms. If these types of microbes are present in an aquatic environment, pollution levels are low. 

 

Desmidium harvests energy from sunlight by photosynthesis.  The algae release oxygen in the process of photosynthesis.  Many living organisms require oxygen to survive.  In addition, algae are the basis of the food chain in aquatic environments.

 

 

Classification:

 

Desmidium is a thread-like microorganism that is made of a string of individual cells.  Desmidium is a desmid, a unicellular algae.  Desmid cells consist of two half-cells that are mirror images of one another.  The shape of the half-cells is highly variable, giving the organism a symmetrical, elegant appearance.