Unsuccessful conjugation

Two Strobilidium are connected to each other. Are they in the process of conjugation? In the top view, we cannot see a wall separating the organisms. From the side view, there is a transparent membrane structure that seems to connect the top of the two bodies. However, this conjugation fails because after 4 minutes, the cell walls of both organisms suddenly begin to collapse, and the cell contents spill out and scatter.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
These 2 Strobilidium-like cells began their conjugation smoothly enough, but unfortunately the rapid movement and collision caused tear in the cell membrane.

Sampling Date : 03 July 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River B  Google Map