Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of green alga (chlorophyte) cyst stage (Haematococcus pluvialis). This alga occurs in many different aquatic environments including fresh and brackish water. It is believed to be the world's richest known source of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid pigment and a biological antioxidant. When environmental conditions become adverse, they enter a resting phase (cyst phase) that allows them to survive for prolonged periods, until the environment becomes more favourable for growth. In the resting phase the alga accumulates high amounts of astaxanthin. In the vegetative phase Haematococcus is a unicellular, microscopic green alga that has two flagella. It contains a single, cup-shaped chloroplast, with several pyrenoids. Magnification: x220 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY |
Bildgröße: | 2647 px × 3301 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
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