What are Desmids Their cell structure reproduction and habitat
All the algae are eukaryotic organisms, each cell of the organisms contains a nucleus and other structures (organelles) enclosed within membranes. The algae live only in moist environments, mostly aquatic, and contain chlorophyll, which helps to synthesis their own food. Desmid is a unicellular microorganism, it comes under the green algae family Mesotaeniaceae and Desmidiaceae. Sometimes desmid placed under the family of order Zygnematales. Desmids are usually developing in standing freshwaters. As it is a unicellular organism it is impossible to view a single desmid. But can view the largest representatives in the naked eye. This green alga comprises 40 genera with 5000 species.
View of Desmids Under Microscope
The desmid’s microscopical view is indispensable. Desmids under microscope can magnify from 40 to 400x for a clear view. it is easy to find the species type. All desmids look green in colour. Each cell consists of two half cells with similar images. The two half cells are connected by a bridge-like structure. It contains a nucleus, which can be noticed only with the specific dyes. The nucleus present in the middle of the desmids contains a transparent and denser nuclear structure. The globular nucleus turns and develops into a globose, vacuole-like structure. The shape of the semi cells changes. It looks like a disc or spindle shape and ranging from more or less globular.
The cell wall of the mixed desmids are smooth and have distinct patterns of tubercles, granules, or spines. The desmids have a rich cell wall and not in combination with deep semicellular incisions. These algae usually appear with an elegant appearance. While exploring desmid algae to sunlight for photosynthesis, Desmids secrete mucilage from pores in the cell wall. With the help of mucilage, it can move towards light or avoid too bright light. It also acts as a protective layer
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Desmids Reproduction
Usually, Desmids can reproduce both through sexual and asexual reproduction.
Asexual Reproduction
Desmids reproduce asexually like amoeba through the simple cell division method. The two semi cells are connected together with a centre called an isthmus. Usually, cell division occurs in the region of the isthmus, each half of the semi cells is divided into two halves and developed into an individual organism.
Sexual Reproduction
In many cases, desmids look like it reproduces in an asexual manner. While watching closely, it is proven that the desmids are reproducing through sexual reproduction. But, it does not have sperm or gametes. The cells of desmids change like an amoeba. Sexual reproduction of desmid algae occurs through a process of conjugation. Here, each half crawls out of its shell to fuse with a mate. Sometimes, the zygote is formed, only when the "male" amoeba reaches into the shell of the "female". This process is the same as the reproduction of Spirogyra algae. Here, the fused cells do not remain the same in a giant pile of cytoplasm. It develops into orb-like objects. The zygote formed are developed into spore-like structures. The zygote formed is surrounded by the evacuated shell. It developed into a distinct structure. In desmids, the sexual cell division takes place, and the new daughter cell algae emerged from the zygospore.
Desmids Location
Polluted/dirty water does not support the reproduction of mixed desmids and cannot help the growth of desmids. This is due to the absence of nutrient-rich conditions in the water. The freshwater vegetations have rich nutrients and support the growth of desmids and boost reproduction. So, the desmids are widely grown in lakes, pits, aquariums..etc. The development of desmid are based on other systems like climate, nutrient conditions, and geology influence species composition, but in macrophyte plant composition, water level, wetlands, and degree of mixing with other water bodies
Desmids in Food Web
Desmid is a well-known aquatic species. It plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems. The desmids are the type of unicellular biomass algae. It acts as an important food source for many invertebrates. The desmids are the potential food source for zooplankters like Cladocera and Copepods. The daphnids use planktonic mixed desmids as a food source. The Dplanktonic desmids are a rich potential food source. As the desmid has a low population density, it plays a minor role in the pelagic food web. In particular, where desmids grow in a submerged substrate as a green film that can be view through the naked eye, they are acting as a feed for the large numbers by grazers like rotifers, worms, midge larvae, etc.
FAQs on Desmids Structure Classification and Life Cycle
1. What are desmids?
Desmids are unicellular green algae belonging to the order Desmidiales within the division Charophyta. They are microscopic freshwater organisms commonly found in ponds, lakes, and bogs.
- They are closely related to land plants.
- Most species are single-celled and free-living.
- They are known for their beautiful and symmetrical cell shapes.
- Desmids are important components of freshwater phytoplankton.
2. What is the structure of a desmid cell?
A desmid cell is typically divided into two mirror-image halves called semicells connected by a narrow region called the isthmus. This unique structure gives desmids their characteristic symmetry.
- Each semicell contains part of a large chloroplast.
- The nucleus is located in the isthmus.
- The cell wall is made of cellulose and often has pores and ornamentations.
- Some species have spines or projections for protection.
3. Where are desmids found?
Desmids are mainly found in freshwater habitats, especially in clean, slightly acidic waters. They thrive in specific ecological conditions.
- Common in ponds, lakes, and marshes.
- Abundant in peat bogs and moorland pools.
- Prefer low-nutrient (oligotrophic) water.
- Rare in marine environments.
4. How do desmids reproduce?
Desmids reproduce both asexually by binary fission and sexually by conjugation. These two modes ensure survival and genetic variation.
- Asexual reproduction: The cell divides at the isthmus, and each daughter cell forms a new semicell.
- Sexual reproduction: Two cells fuse during conjugation to form a zygospore.
- The zygospore undergoes meiosis to restore haploid cells.
5. What is conjugation in desmids?
Conjugation in desmids is a form of sexual reproduction where two cells fuse to form a diploid zygospore. It increases genetic diversity and helps survival in unfavorable conditions.
- Two compatible cells come close together.
- Their protoplasts fuse to form a zygote.
- The zygote develops a thick wall, forming a zygospore.
- After meiosis, new haploid desmid cells are produced.
6. Why are desmids important in freshwater ecosystems?
Desmids are important because they are primary producers and indicators of clean water in freshwater ecosystems. They contribute significantly to aquatic food webs.
- Perform photosynthesis and produce oxygen.
- Serve as food for small aquatic organisms.
- Act as bioindicators of low pollution levels.
- Help maintain ecological balance in ponds and lakes.
7. What is the difference between desmids and other green algae?
Desmids differ from other green algae mainly in their symmetrical cell structure and mode of sexual reproduction. They have unique structural and reproductive features.
- Cells are divided into two symmetrical semicells.
- Belong to Charophyta, closely related to land plants.
- Sexual reproduction occurs by conjugation, not by flagellated gametes.
- Mostly unicellular, unlike some filamentous green algae such as Spirogyra.
8. What type of nutrition do desmids have?
Desmids are primarily photoautotrophic, meaning they produce their own food through photosynthesis. They use sunlight to synthesize organic compounds.
- Contain chlorophyll in large chloroplasts.
- Use carbon dioxide and water to form glucose.
- Store food as starch.
- Function as producers in aquatic ecosystems.
9. What are semicells in desmids?
Semicells are the two symmetrical halves of a desmid cell joined by the isthmus. They give desmids their distinctive bilaterally symmetrical appearance.
- Each semicell contains part of the chloroplast.
- New semicells are formed during binary fission.
- Their shape and ornamentation help in species identification.
- They may have spines, lobes, or projections.
10. Can you give examples of desmids?
Common examples of desmids include species of Cosmarium, Closterium, and Micrasterias. These genera are widely studied in freshwater biology.
- Cosmarium: Typically oval with smooth semicells.
- Closterium: Crescent-shaped cells.
- Micrasterias: Highly lobed and star-shaped cells.
- All are unicellular and found in freshwater habitats.
