Jigsaw Puzzle : Climacostomum protozoan, SEM C016 / 9065

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print showcases the intricate beauty of a Climacostomum protozoan, a unicellular ciliate protozoan. The image, captured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), reveals the remarkable details of this microscopic organism. Against a crisp white background, the spherical cell takes center stage with its vibrant colors. The most striking feature is the cell's large oral apparatus located in the upper right corner. This round structure consists of an adoral zone of membranelles (AZM) that partially encircles a wide buccal cavity or mouth. From there, it opens into the cytopharyngeal pouch, which plays an essential role in feeding and digestion for this tiny creature. At x400 magnification when printed at 10 centimeters tall, every minute detail becomes visible to our eyes. The colored SEM allows us to appreciate the complexity and diversity found within nature's smallest creations. This photograph not only highlights the beauty and intricacy of this particular species but also serves as a reminder of how vast and diverse our natural world truly is. It invites us to marvel at these microorganisms that play vital roles in ecosystems around the globe. Photographer Steve Gschmeissner has masterfully captured this mesmerizing image from Science Photo Library, providing us with an opportunity to explore and appreciate nature's wonders on both macroscopic and microscopic scales.