Onychonema
genus of algae
Onychonema is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae. Members of the genus have a cosmopolitan distribution.
Description
Onychonema consists of cells attached to each other end-to-end, forming chains of cells called pseudofilaments. The cells are strongly constricted at the middle forming a narrow isthmus, forming two halves called semicells. The sinus between the semicells is deep and linear. Semicells are transversely elliptical or reniform, with smooth lateral margins or with spines along the margin. The cell wall may be smooth or porous. Cells are flattened, and therefore ellipsoidal in apical view. Cells are connected to each other at their apices, via two separate capitate extensions (processes). The two processes are obliquely oriented, such that one appears to be in front of the semicell and one appears to be behind it.
The public source identifies “Onychonema” as genus of algae. This brief keeps that definition visible, then builds a research path around Onychonema, genus and algae.
Why this record matters
A short description can identify a subject without explaining its stakes. For “Onychonema”, the useful work is to connect “genus of algae” to the records capable of establishing context and consequence.
The date and method of observation matter as much as the stated conclusion, especially where classification or consensus has changed. The source revision retrieved here is dated Jul 15, 2025. The linked authority identifier is Q7095155. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference.
Scientific names, classifications and consensus can change while older terminology persists in catalogues and historical literature. The source lead contains qualifying language; that uncertainty should survive quotation, summary and reuse. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Check terminology, classification and the date of the cited evidence. Scientific names and technical consensus can change while older records retain historical value.
- Current terminology
- Classification context
- Finding cited technical literature
Primary datasets, specimen catalogues, standards bodies and the most recent peer-reviewed literature.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Onychonema”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Onychonema primary sources, Onychonema archive and Onychonema research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Onychonema”?
- Which observation, specimen, dataset or publication supports the account?
- Has classification or technical consensus changed since the cited source?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Onychonema” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.