Image of Hexamitidae

Description:

Under a moderately-high magnification of 2500X, this scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an untreated water specimen extracted from a wild stream mainly used to control flooding during inclement weather, revealed the presence of unidentified organisms, which included bacteria, protozoa, and algae. In this particular view, a microorganism is featured, the exterior of which is covered by numerous projections imparting an appearance of a sea urchin. This microscopic pin cushion was teathered to its surroundings by a biofilm within which many bacteria, and amoeboid protozoa could be seen enmeshed as well. See PHIL 11781 for a greater magnification of this organism’s exterior. See PHIL 11789 for a colorized version of this image.
Created: 2009