Closterium - green, crescent shaped desmid

Phylum Chlorophyta

Order Chlorococcales

Closterium is found in ponds, lakes, and plankton samples. They have a green crescent-shaped cell with two chloroplasts (one in each half), but no flagella.

 Cultures are often brownish due to iron deposits in the cell walls. Vacuoles at the ends (poles) of the cell contain granules of gypsum (calcium sulfate) that appear to vibrate. This physical effect can be observed in all particles less than 2-3 um in size.

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