Desmidiales

Desmidiales is an order of mostly freshwater, unicellular charophyte green algae. Many desmids have two near-symmetrical semicells joined by a narrow isthmus.

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Charophyta: Charophyta is the green-plant lineage that includes several algal groups and land plants. Desmidiales belongs to this lineage, whose members share ancestry with land plants.
Conjugation: Conjugation is sexual reproduction in which cells exchange or unite genetic material through direct contact. Many desmids reproduce sexually by conjugation, forming a resistant zygospore.
Bioindicator: A bioindicator is an organism or biological response used to assess environmental conditions. Desmid communities can reflect water chemistry and habitat quality.
Micrasterias: Micrasterias is a genus of desmids whose cells often have elaborate, deeply lobed semicells. Its striking symmetry exemplifies the morphological diversity found within Desmidiales.
Zygnematophyceae: Zygnematophyceae is a class of charophyte algae that includes desmids and filamentous conjugating algae. Desmidiales is classified within this group, alongside its filamentous relatives.
Binary fission: Binary fission is cell division in which one cell separates into two daughter cells. Desmids commonly multiply asexually by dividing across the isthmus between their semicells.
Freshwater ecology: Freshwater ecology studies organisms and interactions in inland waters such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Desmids are common members of freshwater communities and contribute to their primary production.
Cosmarium: Cosmarium is a genus of desmids with two semicells joined by a narrow isthmus. It is a widespread genus that illustrates the order's characteristic cell organization.
Desmid: A desmid is a unicellular green alga, usually with two semicells connected by an isthmus. This common name denotes members of Desmidiales and highlights their characteristic cell form.
Zygospore: A zygospore is a thick-walled dormant cell formed after the fusion of reproductive cells. In desmids, it is the resistant product of sexual reproduction.