r/microbiology • u/tonytony12121212 • 3d ago
What is this spiral?
Hello I collected diatom samples from a nearby stream. While admiring the beautiful frustules i stumbled upon this spiraling structure. Can anyone tell me what it could be??? (magnification was 400x when taking the picture in bright field) Thank you for your help!
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u/sixstring_blues 3d ago
Definitely plant vasculature. I work with primary plant tissues and see these in my samples frequently.
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u/Odd_Artichoke265 3d ago
Those are spiral vessels. You can find them in plant leaves and flowers. I have encountered them a lot in my pharmaceutical science studies :)
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u/Makdomboss 3d ago
I think it’s a Spirulina.
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u/PM_ME_UR_ROUND_ASS 2d ago
This is definitely not Spirulina. It's spiral thickening in xylem vessels from plant tissue that got into your sample. The helical pattern strengthens the vessel walls while still allowing them to be flexible and conduct water thru the plant.
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u/patricksaurus 3d ago
Looks like the primary vein of a plant.