Cryptomonas

A Cryptomonas ovata phytoplankter from a sample collected at Lake Toolik (Alaska, USA). From micro*scope

Classification

Eukaryota; Cryptophyta; Cryptomonadales; Cryptomonadaceae; Cryptomonas

Species

NCBI: [1]

Cryptomonas Ovata

Description and Significance

Cryptomonas ovata is a species of phytoplankton that is common in freshwater systems around the world. The species belongs to the "cryptomonad" phylum, which is a group of biflagellate organisms that includes both protozoans and alga. C. ovata functions as a primary producer in freshwater ecosystems and contributes to the foraging base of many heterotrophs, including macroinvertibrates and fishes.

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?

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

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Author

Page authored by Alison Cutter and Alexandra David, students of Prof. Jay Lennon at Michigan State University.