Black Layer
Black layer
Microorganisms of the black, iron sulfide rich layer of the microbial mat from Great Sippewissett Saltmarsh, clustered around the remainings of an insect's eye (?). The spiral shaped organism (top left) is a Spirochaete.
Phase contrast micrograph
Black layer
The curved cells resemble typical sulfate reducing bacteria (Desulfovibrio spec).
Phase contrast, 75X75 µm
Black layer
Spirochaetes are easyly recognized by their irregular spiral shape. Living cells crawl between the sand particles; they show a typical twisting behaviour.
Phase contrast. 400x400 µm
