What Is a Spirogyra Plant Like?

Appearance

• This unbranched algae is made up of cylindrical cells. Each cell is connected to two other cells at the end, forming long filaments of plant material. Like other algae, Spirogyra species have a slimy outer layer and tend to form large, slippery masses in fresh water. These algae contain ribbon-shaped chloroplasts, arranged in a helical or spiral shape inside the filament. Spirogyra tends to be a vivid shade of dark green, and moves along with the water's currents.

Habitat

• This plant prefers relatively clean water with high percentages of essential nutrients, such as phosphorus. It usually begins growing in the spring and remains under the water until the summer sun warms it significantly. Warm water and readily available sunlight encourage Spirogyra algae to produce bubbles of oxygen, which adhere to the algae's filaments. Eventually, the gas makes the algae buoyant, bringing it to the surface of the water as a slimy green mat.

Reproduction

• Spirogyra reproduces both asexually and sexually. Asexual reproduction in this algae involves fragmenting the strand, which undergoes cell mitosis to form new filaments. Sexual reproduction is called conjugation, and can only be seen under a microscope lens. Some filaments become female, while others become male. Each filament develops a series of bumps that grow toward a filament of the opposite sex, eventually fusing with it to transport reproductive cells. The cells grow together to form a zygospore, from which new algae grows.

Considerations

• This algae does not cause problems in low concentrations, but when water conditions provide it with plenty of nutrients, it can overgrow and take over a pond, stream or aquarium. Reduce the amount of organic matter in the water via filtration to prevent Spirogyra populations from increasing. Avoid releasing phosphorus and phosphate-containing chemicals, such as detergents, into local waterways.