Spirogyra

views updated May 23 2018

Spirogyra (division Chlorophyta) A genus of green freshwater algae, in which the thallus consists of unbranched filaments. It is capable of a spiral gliding motility when illuminated. The chloroplast forms a spiral, ribbon-like band which extends the length of the cell. Conjugation occurs by the formation of a tube connecting 2 cells; the contents of 1 cell pass through the tube and fuse with those of the other cell. Spirogyra is very common in standing fresh water, especially in spring.

spirogyra

views updated Jun 27 2018

spi·ro·gy·ra / ˌspīrəˈjīrə/ • n. Bot. a filamentous freshwater green alga (genus Spirogyra, division Chlorophyta) containing spiral bands of chloroplasts.

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