What are the characteristics of Pinnularia?

Pinnularia are elongated elliptical unicellular organisms. Their cell walls are composed chiefly of pectic substances on a rigid silica framework. Their walls are composed of two halves called thecae (or less formally, valves.) These halves overlap like a Petri dish and its cover.

Which pigment is present in Pinnularia?

Two chloroplasts are present along the two sides of the cells. They contain chlorophyll a, c, beta-carotene and diatomin or fucoxanthin pigment.

What is the external structure of a Pinnularia?

External structure. Pinnularia are elongated elliptical unicellular organisms. Their cell walls are composed chiefly of pectic substances on a rigid silica framework. Their walls are composed of two halves called thecae (or less formally, valves.) These halves overlap like a petri dish and its cover.

Where can you find Pinnularia in a pond?

Pinnularia is a fresh water alga. It is found in pond. It is also present on the moist soil Fig: 1. Pinnularia Cells It is unicellular. Its cell is elongated and elliptical. Cell wall is chiefly composed of pectic substances.

How does a Pinnularia reproduce like a diatom?

Pinnularia like most diatoms, can reproduce by simple cell division. Nuclear division occurs by mitosis and cell divides into two parts. Each daughter receives one of the parent cell’s thecae, which becomes that cell’s epitheca. The cell then synthesizes a new hypotheca. Thus one daughter is the same size as the parent, and one is slightly smaller.

How does the cytoplasm of a Pinnularia reproduce?

The cytoplasm also contains chrysolaminarin and some volutin . Pinnularia like most diatoms, can reproduce by simple cell division. Nuclear division occurs by mitosis and cell divides into two parts. Each daughter receives one of the parent cell’s thecae, which becomes that cell’s epitheca. The cell then synthesizes a new hypotheca.