Triploceras
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Triploceras | |
|---|---|
| Triploceras gracile | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Class: | Zygnematophyceae |
| Order: | Desmidiales |
| Family: | Desmidiaceae |
| Genus: | Triploceras Bailey |
| Type species | |
| Triploceras verticillatum (Bailey) Bailey[1] | |
| Species | |
Triploceras is a genus of desmid (a type of green alga) in the family Desmidiaceae.[2]
Identification
Triploceras exists as solitary cells, which are elongated and constricted at the middle (the constriction called an isthmus); the two halves are called semicells. At tip of either semicell, the cell is tipped with spiny lobes, similar to the polar lobes found in Micrasterias. Along the margins of the semicells are many whorls of processes that may be tipped with spines or teeth. Cells have one chloroplast filling the cell.[3]
Triploceras is easily recognizable due to its elongated shape and polar lobes.[3] The similar genus Triplastrum also has polar spines, but lacks protuberances along the sides of the cell.[4]