Amyloodinium ocellatum

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Figure 1. Image credit: Amyloodiniumocellatum.

Classification

Eukaryota; Myzozoa; Dinophyceae; Blastodiniales; Oodiniaceae

Species

NCBI: [1]

Oodinium ocellatum

Description and Significance

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

Amyloodinium ocellatum (also commonly known as marine velvet) is a dinoflagellate. It's an obligate parasite of many marine fish. Amyloodinium ocellatum creates a powdery and/or velvety appearance on species. The parasite is typically found in saltwater and brackish environments but can withstand a wide variety of water temperatures and salinities.

Genome Structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?

It's mean size has been reported as 61 x 50 m, which is about 7 to 8 times larger than a red blood cell (add source later). The organism is oval/pear-shaped

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle

Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

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.

Author

Page authored by __Trey Thigpen___, student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.