This image of Micrasterias papillifera gives a clear view of the cell wall of this attractive small Micrasterias species. It is tempting to focus on the spines running along the edge of the desmid. You'll miss many interesting features if you don't look at other focus layers.

In some case you'll have to focus on certain features on the cell wall if you want to determine a species.

Combining different focus layers enables you to get a better idea of what microscopic organisms look like.

For an overview of desmids go to a Gallery of Desmids