Blastodinium
Classification
Higher Order Taxa
Domain:Eukaryota; Phylum:Dinoflagellata; Class:Blastodiniphyceae; Order:Blastodiniales; Family:Blastodinidae; Genus:Blastodinium
Genus
Blastodinium
Description and Significance
This genus contains cryptic species. All species in this genus have very similar morphological features, only differing slightly in their genomes. These species are obligate parasites, in which they must live inside a host in order to complete their life cycles. This genus will inhabit the gut of marine copepods, a group of small crustaceans typically 1-2mm in length. These parasites can grow to be a few hundred μm in length while inside the host.
These parasites are found in habits occupied by their copepods hosts-across the globe. However, these parasites are found in greater abundances in low nutrient, oligotrophic marine waters closer to the equator. The parasites found in this habitat have a greater chance of possessing chloroplasts, however, those found in colder waters near the poles of the planet are often found having no chloroplasts.
Life Cycle
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
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
Author
Page authored by _____, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at IndianaUniversity.