Spirogyra conjugating

[IanW]

Further to my previous photos of spirogyra - today I found some in conjugation.

Objectives are X25 and X40 brightfield, oblique with polarisation. All photos are full frame.

DSC_0430_DxO by Fortesmentum, on Flickr

DSC_0436_DxO by Fortesmentum, on Flickr

DSC_0441_DxO by Fortesmentum, on Flickr

DSC_0442_DxO by Fortesmentum, on Flickr

DSC_0445_DxO by Fortesmentum, on Flickr

DSC_0446_DxO by Fortesmentum, on Flickr

DSC_0447_DxO by Fortesmentum, on Flickr

[Mintaka]

Amazing shots. I remember from high school biology the conjugation of Spirogyra. We examined the algae during the half hour practical session under the school microscopes, but no-one in the class could find any evidence of the two strands going at it. So these are quite a treat.

[IanW]

Thanks Mintaka. I have to say that it took me by surprise when I came across it.

[billben74]

Nice catch. Very nice to see such interesting biology shot so well.

[billbillt]

These are very good!.. You have managed to capture a unique observation.. thanks for sharing!...

BillT

[IanW]

Thanks both Bills:-)

[billporter1456]

You can add one more "Bill" to the list of Bills who like your images. I've looked at Spirogyra about a million times, but I don't recall ever seeing conjugation. Certainly not as clear and detailed as your images.

[vasselle]

Bonjour.
Très belles série images.
J'aime beaucoup la première images.
En tout cas beau travail.
Merci pour le partage.
Cordialement seb

[hkv]

Amazing! I have never seen that although I have looked through hundreds of drops with spirogyra. Under what conditions/circumstances are this most likely to occur?

[IanW]

Under what conditions/circumstances are this most likely to occur?

I'm not sure. This sample was sucked out (with a pipette) of a collection of bind weed from my pond (North West England) last week.

I'll have a look and see if there is more going on later this week.

[Mintaka]

Under what conditions/circumstances are this most likely to occur?

From what I can gather from this genus of algae, conjugation usually occurs when no one is watching.

[IanW]

Under what conditions/circumstances are this most likely to occur?

From what I can gather from this genus of algae, conjugation usually occurs when no one is watching.

[Francisco]

Nice and interesting images.

[IanW]

Thanks Franciso