Volvox africanus: Difference between revisions
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Typically found in South Africa, other southern african countries, and south Asia. | Typically found in South Africa, other southern african countries, and south Asia. | ||
All discovered ''Volvox'' species are non-pathogenic. | All discovered ''Volvox'' species are non-pathogenic. It is unlikely that there undiscovered pathogenic ''Volvox'' species or that a current species will evolve into a pathogen without the removal of chloroplast and photosynthetic metabolism. | ||
== References == | == References == |
Revision as of 02:14, 12 December 2023
Classification
Eukarya; Chlorophyta; Chlorophyceae; Chlamydomonadales; Volvocaceae
Species
Volvox africanus
NCBI: [1]
Description and Significance
Volvox africanus is a photosynthetic, multicellular eukaryotic microbe that lives in clusters. Volvox species exist as many cell colonies within a gelatinous barrier. They contain anywhere from several hundred to 6,000 cells within their gelatin bubble. In fact, the largest clusters are barely visible with the naked eye.
Volvox is a freshwater algal genus that was first discovered by Anton von Leeuwenhook in the 1700s. They have fascinating reproductive cycles consisting of both sexual and asexual reproduction.
Genome Structure
Volvox africanus has a haploid, linear genome, with between 129-142 megabases (mb). The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) holds two full genomic sequences of this species. One sequence discovered about 13,455 protein coding genes, 129 contigs, and that 53% of the genome is comprised of GC nucleotides. The other sequence resulted in different data. It matched the first with the genome containing 53% of GC nucleotides, however, it found 12,742 protein coding genes and 448 contigs.
Cell Structure, Metabolism, and Life Cycle
Volvox shape is complex to describe due to the vast number of cells within their gelatinous barrier. Essentially, one Volvox is a bunch of cocci unicellular organisms living within a spheritical gel-like substance. Each of cocci cells, either somatic or germ cells, have two flagella. Other organelles include; chloroplasts, eyespots, and vacuoles. The somatic cells move their flagellum in tandem for fast, coordinated directional movements. Their eyespot further compliments this because it directs the somatic cell's flagellar movements to the location of light. As a result, the Volvox chloroplasts receive a plethora of photosynthesis opportunities. This is critical as photosynthesis is the primary energy source of the Volvox.
Germ cell reproduction is complex and unique it utilizes both asexual and sexual reproduction.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Volvox, like many algal species, live in freshwater sources and rely on photosynthesis for nutrients and energy. As a result, they are valuable for consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen for aerobic organisms. Each somatic cell contains one chloroplast.
Typically found in South Africa, other southern african countries, and south Asia.
All discovered Volvox species are non-pathogenic. It is unlikely that there undiscovered pathogenic Volvox species or that a current species will evolve into a pathogen without the removal of chloroplast and photosynthetic metabolism.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvox https://utex.org/products/utex-lb-1890 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=51714 https://eol.org/pages/901574 https://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=C60a996d47989b5be https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Transmission-electron-microscopy-of-asexual-spheroids-of-Volvox-africanus-GS-West_fig3_358009972 https://www.britannica.com/science/green-algae
Authors
Page authored by Hayden Hull, student of Professor Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.