Volvox africanus: Difference between revisions
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== Genome Structure == | == Genome Structure == | ||
''Volvox africanus'' has a haploid, linear genome, with | ''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 53% of the genome is comprised of GC nucleotides. | ||
== Cell Structure, Metabolism, and Life Cycle == | == Cell Structure, Metabolism, and Life Cycle == | ||
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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 | All discovered ''Volvox'' species are non-pathogenic. | ||
== References == | == References == |
Revision as of 20:17, 11 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.
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 53% of the genome is comprised of GC nucleotides.
Cell Structure, Metabolism, and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces
Volvox shape is interesting since one volvox are many colonies within. The best way to describe it is a bunch of cocci unicellular organisms living within a spheritical gel-like substance. Each of cocci cells, called somatic cells, work together to survive. They have flagellum, eyespots, and vacuoles. The somatic cells move their flagellum in tandom for fast, coordinated directional movements.
It reproduces both asexually and sexually.
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 symptom
Live in freshwaters sources, and like most algal species, rely on photosynthesis for nutrients and energy. As a result, they are valuable for consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen for aerobic organisms. Somatic cells contain one chloroplast each.
Typically found in South Africa, other southern african countries, and south Asia.
All discovered Volvox species are non-pathogenic.
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.