scales, detail

Description:

Mallomonas (ma-la-moan-ass) is a synurophyte alga, traditionally regarded as a chrysophyte or related to the chrysophytes, but distinguished by the presence of extracellular siliceous scales. This genus has large chlorophyll a and c containing plastids, an apical flagellum, and a coating of slipper shaped scales each of which has a long projecting spine. This image is a detail of the empty periplast (coating of scales and spines) and showing the two kinds of scales which make up the periplast. Differential interference contrast.