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