Manganese encrustation of zygospores of a chlamydomonas (chlorophyta: volvocales).

In media containing normal trace-element supplements, but not in manganese-deficient media, zygospores of a new species of Chlamydomonas (isolated from soil) become encrusted with a dark brown mineral coating. Staining with benzidine indicates that the encrustation is rich in manganese. This has been confirmed by x-ray analysis in combination with a scanning electron microscope.