Golden Algae

Fig 1: Schematic drawing of Prymnesium parvum

Fig 2: Prymnesium parvum Lugol's preserved cell showing the two flagella but not the haptonema.

Fig 3: Prymnesium parvum Formalin preserved cell showing the flagella and haptonema

Fig 4: Prymnesium parvum SEM of whole cell showing scale plates and one of the flagella

Fig 5: Prymnesium parvum Live cells in culture

This image was made from samples taken during a scientific cruise in the Pacific. Water was filtered to concentrate the organisms that were present, then dried onto a thin sheet of plastic and then shadowed with a fine layer of metal to provide contrast. The preparation was then observed with an electron-microscope. This technique has been used to document the diversity of marine microbes, especially, protists in the oceans.