The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter H

Staurastrum

Habitat:

 

Staurastrum is a unicellular microorganism 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 Staurastrum are excellent indicator organisms. If these types of microbes are present in an aquatic environment, pollution levels are low. 

 

Staurastrum harvests energy from sunlight in a process called 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:

 

Staurastrum is a desmid, a unicellular alga.  Desmid cells consist of two half cells being mirror images of one another.  The shape of the half-cells is highly variable, giving the organism a symmetrical elegant appearance.