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Specimen
084
The synurids (order Synurales) are a small group of algae, found mostly in freshwater environments, characterized by cells covered in silica scales. In Synura, these are formed on the surface of the chloroplasts, two of which are usually present, but sometimes only one divided into two lobes is seen. The cells have two heterokont flagella, inserted parallel to one another at the anterior, whose ultrastructure is a distinguishing characteristic of the group. Synura species occur as spherical colonies, with the cells oriented so that the flagella point outwards, each usually around 30 µm in length. The colonies are globular. |