Scenedesmus
Scenedesmus
a genus of green algae of the class Protococco-phyceae. The algae form coenobia, or colonies, of four to 16 somewhat elongate cells joined by lateral walls. The cell surface is smooth or has various outgrowths. The marginal cells are often spiny. Reproduction is by means of autospores, which appear in each cell in groups of four, eight, or 16 to form a new coenobium. There are about 100 freshwater species. Attempts are being made to cultivate the algae as a source of food and fodder.