Tetrahymena thermophila

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Classification

Higher order taxa

Eukaryota; Chromalveolata; Ciliophora; Oligohymenophorea; Hymenostomatida; Tetrahymenidae

Species

Tetrahymena thermophila

Description and Significance

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.

Genome Structure

T. thermophila contain both a micronucleus and a macronucleus. The micronucleus serves as the germ line, and contains the genetic information passed down from one generation to the next generation. The micronucleus is diploid and contains five pairs of chromosomes. The macronucleus, in contrast, contains the genetic information which is actively transcribed and translated. It contains 225 chromosomes derived from the fragmentation of the 10 micronuclear chromosomes. Both nuclei have been fully sequenced and scaffolds have been constructed [1]. Additionally the mitochondrial genome has been sequenced [2].

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle

Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces. During vegetative growth, ciliates reproduce by binary fission. In Tetrahymena, this involves a remarkable reorganization of the cortical cytoskeleton.

Ecology and Pathogenesis

Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Eisen, J., et al. “Macronuclear Genome Sequence of the Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, a Model Eukaryote”. Public Library of Science. 2006. Volume 4. p. 1620-1642.

Martindale, D., et al. Conjugation in ‘’Tetrahymena thermophila’’”. ‘’Experimental Cell Research.’’ 1982. Volume 140. p. 227-236.

Collins, K., and Gorovsky, M. ‘’Tetrahymena thermophila’’”. ‘’Current Biology.’’ 2005. Volume 15. p. R317-R318.

Orias, E., et al. “’’Tetrahymena thermophila’’, a unicellular eukaryote with separate germline and somatic genomes”. ‘’Research in Microbiology.’’ 2011. Volume 162. p. 578-586

Author

Page authored by Hannah Pak and Luke Pryke, students of Prof. Jay Lennon at Indiana University.