Micrasterias cell division ???

[jimur]

I really enjoy finding desmids and desire to learn much about them. As a mere novice I believe this
to be Micrasterias undergoing cell division.

[75RR]

Very nice image with great detail. Nice catch too. Agree, desmids are pretty special

What objective did you use? I take it you got the trinocular set up?

[jimur]

Yes things seem to be going in the right direction. At least for now I feel it is. I may make another photo port tube with minor mods. (I enjoy diy tinkering) I still want to familiarize myself with the inclusion of scales and Zerene Stacker. The image was taken with a Canon 450d and my trusty nifty fifty f1.8 lens. Afocal of course with the SM-LUX and Leitz 10/0.25 objective. I'm using the EOS Utility along with Micam. The camera is held by an old copy stand. I'm sure I'll be making changes as I learn. That seems part of the fun.

[JimT]

Very good and sharp image. I think you are right about cell division. Did you continue to watch for the separation?

[jimur]

I was not fortunate to witness the beginning nor end of the process. Although I saw movement I did not notice significant change.
I'm not knowledgeable enough to confirm the image as a state of asexual mitosis or an otherwise interrupted state of conjugation though I suspect mitosis. Hey, just a few days ago I couldn't even spell "asexual mitosis".