The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter l

Pleurotaenium

Habitat:

 

Pleurotaenium is a microorganism that belongs to a group of green algae known as desmids.  They grow in all types of water but most frequently on the bottom of slightly acidic to neutral lakes.

 

Importance:

 

Pleurotaenium 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:

 

Pleurotaenium is a desmid, a unicellular alga.  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.