In that microscopic world, there is hidden a kind of magical and glittering “pearl” – the Cosmarium micraster.

It is a single-celled organism. Under the microscope, its cellular morphology is unique, just like the twinkling stars in the night sky, so it is called “stars in water”. At the same time, its cellular structure is exquisite, like a “microscopic pearl”, and is also praised as such. These names not only vividly describe the beautiful appearance of Cosmarium micraster, but also reflect people’s love and praise for this tiny organism.

Cosmarium micraster is an algae plant of the family Desmidiaceae and the genus Cosmarium. It is a single-celled organism with a laterally compressed cell and a deeply concave constriction. The apical margin is round, straight or straight-round. Most of the lateral view of the half-cell is round. The vertical view is elliptical or rectangular. Sometimes there is an arched bulge in the middle of the half-cell. The half-cell has 1, 2 or 4 axial pigment bodies, and each pigment body has 1 or several protein nuclei; a few species have 6-8 band-shaped pigment bodies.

Although its figure is tiny, its existence has extraordinary value. Some studies have shown that microalgae have unique surface structures and abundant active substances, making them have potential application values in drug delivery, biological imaging, wound healing and other aspects. However, when it comes to Cosmarium micraster specifically, relevant research may need to be further deepened and expanded.

Cosmarium micraster, this treasure in water, with its beauty of form and unique value, makes us full of endless curiosity and awe for the microscopic world. It makes us understand that even the tiniest existence also has its undeniable significance and charm, waiting for us to discover, appreciate and cherish that unique beauty.

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Reference：

[1] Aikebaier·Yimiti, Lü Haiying, Alimas·Kelimu. New records of desmids in Kanas National Nature Reserve in China (I) [J]. Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica, 2017, 37(03): 602-606.

[2] Aikebaier·Yimiti, You Qingmin, Lü Haiying, et al. New records of desmids in the Ertix River Headwaters Nature Reserve in the Altay Mountains, Xinjiang [J]. Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica, 2016, 36(08): 1697-1706.