Gelatinous green alga
Tetraspora gelatinosa
Tetraspora gelatinosa is a freshwater green alga that forms conspicuous, irregularly shaped, and gelatinous masses. The individual cells are typically arranged in groups of four (tetrads) within a colorless mucilaginous matrix. It possesses characteristic pseudoflagella, which give the alga a fine, hairy appearance under a microscope. The colonies can be found attached to substrates or floating freely in the water.
Details
Oxygen production
Produces oxygen during photosynthesis, which often remains trapped as bubbles within the mucilage.
Habitat function
Serves as a substrate and refuge for periphyton organisms.
Nutrient uptake
Efficient uptake of dissolved inorganic nutrients from the water.
Food source for
Food source for grazers in the aquatic ecosystem.
Human use
Occasionally used as an educational object in biology or as a bioindicator.
Ecology
Ecological role
Primary producer; serves as an oxygen supplier and provides habitat for microorganisms and small invertebrates.
Natural predators
Aquatic herbivores such as snails, small crustaceans, and certain insect larvae.
Competitor species
Other filamentous green algae and phytoplankton species competing for light and nutrients.
Ecosystem service
Oxygen production and nutrient sequestration in inland waters.
Threats
Eutrophication (excessive nutrient enrichment) of water bodies and chemical pollution.
Scientific profile
Protection & threats
Main threats
Eutrophication due to nutrient input (agriculture), thermal stress from climate change or discharges, and morphological degradation of water bodies.