Scenedesmus In Suspension 50 ML Algae Culture

Quick Answer: Scenedesmus in Suspension 50 mL is a live Scenedesmus culture: a freshwater green alga supplied in 50 mL of liquid. It is used for microscope study of colonial algae and as the photosynthesising organism in practicals on light and carbon dioxide.

Scenedesmus Under the Microscope

Scenedesmus is one of the commonest green algae in ponds and lakes. Its cells grow in small, flat colonies called coenobia, usually of four or eight oval cells lined up side by side, and the outer cells of many species carry long spines at their ends. Each cell has a single chloroplast, and the colony has a fixed number of cells from the moment it forms: it does not grow by adding cells but releases new daughter colonies instead.

The shape of the colony is not constant. Scenedesmus is a well-studied example of phenotypic plasticity: when grazers such as Daphnia are present, many strains form larger colonies with more spines that are harder to eat, while in their absence single cells become more common. That makes it a good organism for discussing how environment shapes form.

Because it grows quickly and photosynthesises strongly, Scenedesmus is also used where a practical needs a lot of uniform algal cells, most famously in algal bead experiments. The species and cell density of this culture are not stated in the listing.

Practical Work with Scenedesmus

Algal bead practicals, in which algae trapped in sodium alginate beads change the colour of hydrogencarbonate indicator as they photosynthesise
Measuring the effect of light intensity or colour on the rate of photosynthesis
Counting cells with a haemocytometer to plot a growth curve
Plankton and algae identification lessons, alongside an algae chart
Environmental science work on how nutrients and pollutants affect algal growth

Specifications

Item	Live Scenedesmus culture in liquid suspension
Volume	50 mL, as stated in the product name
Organism	Scenedesmus, a colonial freshwater green alga
Typical colony	Four or eight cells in a row, outer cells often spined
Species and cell density	Confirm at enquiry

Keeping the Culture

Loosen the cap of the Scenedesmus culture on arrival and keep it upright at room temperature in bright, indirect light.
Swirl gently before sampling, since cells settle to the bottom.
Subculture into a fresh algal growth medium every few weeks if the stock is to be kept.
Disinfect or autoclave spent cultures before disposal.

Why Choose LabEquip

Biology departments order live Scenedesmus when a practical needs a quick-growing, reliably green alga, especially for algal bead photosynthesis work. LabEquip supplies the culture through its biology lab products range; tell us the week of your practical via the contact page so dispatch can be planned around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are algal beads made with Scenedesmus?

Concentrate the algae, mix them with sodium alginate solution and drip the mixture from a syringe into calcium chloride solution. Each drop sets into a bead with algae trapped inside. Rinse the beads and place equal numbers in tubes of hydrogencarbonate indicator for the experiment.

How do algal beads show the rate of photosynthesis?

Hydrogencarbonate indicator changes colour with carbon dioxide concentration. As the algae photosynthesise they remove carbon dioxide and the indicator turns from orange-red towards purple, while in darkness respiration adds carbon dioxide and it turns yellow. The speed of the colour change reflects the rate.

What is the difference between Scenedesmus and Chlorella?

Chlorella is a single spherical cell, while Scenedesmus usually forms flat colonies of four or eight elongated cells, often with spines. Both are green algae used in photosynthesis practicals, but Scenedesmus is easier to recognise and describe under the microscope.

Why has my culture turned pale or yellow?

The algae have probably used up their nutrients or been kept too dark or too hot. Transfer some of the remaining green cells into fresh medium and move the culture to bright, indirect light at room temperature.

How do I count Scenedesmus cells?

Use a haemocytometer. Mix the culture, fill the counting chamber, count cells in a set number of squares and scale up using the chamber volume. Decide in advance whether you count cells or colonies, and stay consistent.

Is Scenedesmus found in Indian ponds and lakes?

Yes. Scenedesmus species occur in fresh waters worldwide, including India, and are particularly common in nutrient-rich ponds. Students can compare the cultured alga with pond water samples collected on a field visit.

Last Updated: September 2026