Cthylla microfasciculumque

This student page has not been curated.

Classification

Eukaryota; Excavata; Metamonada; Parabasalia; Parabasalia incertae sedis

Species

Cthylla microfasciculumque

Description and Significance

Cthylla microfasciculumque is a small flagellate found in the hindgut of lower termites; specifically Reticulitermes virginicus. This symbiont bears a similar appearance to Cthulhu macrofasciculumque with a single anterior nucleus and five anterior flagellum that the organism beats in a highly recurrent pattern for mobility. The study of Cthylla microfasciculumque may lead to further insights as to how Parabasalia, the larger microbes responsible for the breakdown of lignocellulose, evolved.

Genome Structure

Cthylla microfasciculumque was classified by using a 15000bp sequence of SSU rRNA, but as of April 2013 the genome has not be sequenced.

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle

Named after the secret daughter of H.P. Lovecraft's iconic monster Cthulhu, Cthylla microfasciculumque possesses five anterior flagellum used for mobility. The cell also possesses a single anterior nucleus associated with an axostyle projecting from the posterior end of the cell.

Ecology and Pathogenesis

Cthylla microfasciculumque was isolated from the hindgut of the termite Reticulitermes virginicus. The microorganism lives in a symbiotic relationship with its host as a member of the microbial community responsible for the breakdown of lignocellulose.

References

James, E. R., Okamoto, N., Burki, F., Scheffrahn, R. H., and Keeling, P. J. "Cthulhu Macrofasciculumque n. g., n. sp. and Cthylla Microfasciculumque n. g., n. sp., a Newly Identified Lineage of Parabasalian Termite Symbionts". PLOS ONE. 2013. Volume 8.

Author

Page authored by Graden Barnes and Michael Paxhia, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at Michigan State University.

<-- Do not remove this line-->