The Beauty of the Microscopic World

Take a look at the artistic shape of microalgae

Diatoms by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Microalgae 

Microalgae are very important primary producers in the aquatic ecosystem.  Their chlorophyll makes nutrients through photosynthesis.

Pinnularia viridis by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Microalgae in the micrometer world

When it comes to microalgae, green algae are the first to come to mind because of the green mass that covers the river, but diatoms are the most common species in the water system. These diatoms are single-celled plants, and about 12,000 species are currently known.

Diatoms by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

The body is made up of two shells as if a lunch box with a lid, and surrounded by a cell wall. The cell walls have elaborate and geometric patterns. They look like lines of very fine holes arranged in a regular pattern, or like specific shapes.

Diatoms, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, From the collection of: Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
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Diatoms, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, From the collection of: Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
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 Two types of appearances of diatom shells: left-right symmetry (left), radial symmetry (right) Groups with symmetrical patterns are classified as 'right-sided diatoms', and groups with radial symmetry are classified as 'central diatoms'.

Cocconeis placentula 1 by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Cocconeis placentula

This species is very common in rivers and streams of Korea and mainly lives by attaching to aquatic plants.

Cocconeis placentula by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Coconis placentula has a pattern of lines amid in its cell, which is the result of evolution to protect itself from predators. A slippery mucus comes out from here.  When observed under a microscope, it can be observed that it moves by sliding. 

Rhopalodia gibba by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Rhopalodia gibba

This species occurs in rivers and streams of Korea, but found sparsely. Cells look like a boomerang, and the cell wall has horizontal stripes of very fine pores. 

Rhopalodia gibba by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

The hole, which is the key of the beautiful pattern on Lopalodia Gipa, is actually a passageway through which substances move in and out of cells as they live.

Gomphonema truncatum by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Gomphonema truncatum 

This species is commonly found in rivers and streams of Korea. Recently, it has been discovered as an fossil in the sediment of an ancient reservoir called Gonggeomji.

Gomphonema truncatum by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

In Gomponema, mucilage comes out from the small hole at the bottom and its C-shaped hole. It lives by attaching to aquatic plants with this slime.  The colony of Gomponema looks like a leaf stuck to a branch.

Gomphonema coronatum by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Gomphonema coronatum

Gomponema coronatum is the same genus as Gomponema trunkatum, and it usually lives by attaching to bottom stones of rivers of Korea. Recently, an old fossil of this species has been discovered in the sediment of an ancient reservoir called Gonggeomji.

Gomphonema coronatum by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

When classifying species in the same genus, they can be distinguished by their shape or genes. Gomphonema cornatum is distinguished by its shape that resembles a squid.

Staurosirella leptostauron by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Staurosirella leptostauron

Staurosirella leptostauron is a diatom living in streams and rivers in Korea. It mainly lives by attaching to stones or floors. Although it is rarely found in Korea, very large amounts have been found in desalinated lagoons in Gangwon-do.

Staurosirella leptostauron by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

The cell is in the shape of a cross. The etymology of the genus and species is also derived from stauron, which means cross.

Aulacoseira granulata by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Aulacoseira granulata

Aulacoseira granulata is a floating diatom that appears very frequently in rivers of Korea. They can be spotted most often in spring.

Aulacoseira granulata by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

The shape of the cell is characterized by its cylindrical shape. Just like interlaced human fingers, the spine-like parts at the ends of the cells alternate with each other to form a chain.

Amphora copulata by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Amphora copulata

Amphora copulata is a freshwater diatom living in rivers and streams of Korea. It sustains itself by being attached to stones or floors.

Amphora copulata by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources

Its characteristic feature is that it resembles human lips.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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