Plankton Cell Wall, Sem #1 is a photograph by Steve Gschmeissner which was uploaded on May 8th, 2013.
Plankton Cell Wall, Sem #1
Plankton cell wall. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the geometrical plates making up the mineralised cell wall of a planktonic alga... more
Title
Plankton Cell Wall, Sem #1
Artist
Steve Gschmeissner
Medium
Photograph
Description
Plankton cell wall. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the geometrical plates making up the mineralised cell wall of a planktonic alga (Coronosphaera mediterranea). This is a type of alga known as a coccolithophorid, meaning that during its resting phase it produces these plates of calcium carbonate to form a shell around its single cell. It also has a motile phase, when it uses flagella to move. Such algae are found in the sea, forming huge algal blooms when conditions are right.
Uploaded
May 8th, 2013