Vorticella: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:99112C.jpg|frame|right|''Vorticella ''spp. [http://www.denniskunkel.com/index.php Dennis Kunkel Microscopy Inc].]] | |||
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<H2>Cell Structure and Metabolism</H2> | <H2>Cell Structure and Metabolism</H2> | ||
[[Image:Vorticella.gif|frame|left|Diagram of ''Vorticella''. [http://www.nies.go.jp/biology/mcc/strainlist_a.htm Anabaena][http://www.hawriverprogram.org/Courses/Vorticella_page.html "Vorticella" lesson by the Haw River Program. ]]] | |||
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''Vorticella'' are sessile organisms. However, young ''Vorticella'' are free-swimming. Adult forms attach to substrates with contractile stalks. This stalk is a filamentous organelle called the spasmoneme. Adults can also be free-swimming if these stalks are cut. They can also detach themselves if food supplies are scarce and they need to find a new location. The spasmoneme has three cellular membranes, an extracelluar matrix, and an outer sheath. These stalks coil upon contraction. It is believed that the contraction is a defense mechanism to protect ''Vorticella '' from environmental hazards such as turbulent water. Contractions also help ''Vorticella '' capture food. | ''Vorticella'' are sessile organisms. However, young ''Vorticella'' are free-swimming. Adult forms attach to substrates with contractile stalks. This stalk is a filamentous organelle called the spasmoneme. Adults can also be free-swimming if these stalks are cut. They can also detach themselves if food supplies are scarce and they need to find a new location. The spasmoneme has three cellular membranes, an extracelluar matrix, and an outer sheath. These stalks coil upon contraction. It is believed that the contraction is a defense mechanism to protect ''Vorticella '' from environmental hazards such as turbulent water. Contractions also help ''Vorticella '' capture food. | ||
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Typically, ''Vorticella'' reproduce via binary fission. The new organism splits from the parent and swims until it can find something on which to anchor itself. They are also capable of sexual reproduction. | Typically, ''Vorticella'' reproduce via binary fission. The new organism splits from the parent and swims until it can find something on which to anchor itself. They are also capable of sexual reproduction. | ||
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<H2>Ecology</H2>''Vorticella ''are aquatic organisms, most commonly found in freshwater habitats. They attach themselves to plant detritus, rocks, algae, or animals (particularly crustaceans). They are individual organisms, but often can be found in colonies. However, these are not true colonies, because each individual retains its own stalk. ''Vorticella'' are therefore free to separate from the colony at any time. | <H2>Ecology</H2>''Vorticella ''are aquatic organisms, most commonly found in freshwater habitats. They attach themselves to plant detritus, rocks, algae, or animals (particularly crustaceans). They are individual organisms, but often can be found in colonies. However, these are not true colonies, because each individual retains its own stalk. ''Vorticella'' are therefore free to separate from the colony at any time. | ||
[[Image:10x.jpg|frame|center|A ''Vorticella ''colony. [http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artnov03/hwvorticella.html Photo by Howard Webb. ]]] | |||
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<H2>References.</H2> | <H2>References.</H2> | ||
Updated June 24, 2005<BR> [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15352324&query_hl=2 Bramucci MG, Nagarajan V. <font size="3">"Inhibition of Vorticella microstoma stalk formation by wheat germ agglutinin." <span title="The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology.">J Eukaryot Microbiol.</span> 2004 Jul-Aug;51(4):425-7.</font>] | Updated June 24, 2005<BR><br> [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15352324&query_hl=2 Bramucci MG, Nagarajan V. <font size="3">"Inhibition of Vorticella microstoma stalk formation by wheat germ agglutinin." <span title="The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology.">J Eukaryot Microbiol.</span> 2004 Jul-Aug;51(4):425-7.</font>] | ||
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Revision as of 14:36, 9 June 2006
ClassificationHigher order taxa:Eukaryota; Alveolata; Ciliophora; Oligohymenophorea; Peritrichia; Vorticellidae.Species:Vorticella campanulaVorticella convallaria Vorticella microstoma Description and SignificanceVorticella are members of the phylum Ciliophora. In some ways, they resemble members of the phylum Suctoria. However, there are major morphological differences between these two types of organisms. It is the unique structure of Vorticella that distinguishes them from other ciliates. Genome StructureLike some other ciliates, Vorticella has a deviant genetic code. UAA, a traditional stop codon, instead translates for glutamate. The small subunit rRNA (SSrRNA) gene has proved crucial for distinguishing between Vorticella species. Because different species are physically very similar, it is difficult to tell them apart by morphological characterstics alone. SSrRNA has proved a much more effective method of classification and identification. Cell Structure and Metabolism
EcologyVorticella are aquatic organisms, most commonly found in freshwater habitats. They attach themselves to plant detritus, rocks, algae, or animals (particularly crustaceans). They are individual organisms, but often can be found in colonies. However, these are not true colonies, because each individual retains its own stalk. Vorticella are therefore free to separate from the colony at any time.References.Updated June 24, 2005 Haw River Program. "Vorticella." Accessed 23 June 2005. MicroscopeWorld.com. "Vorticella". 2005. Accessed 23 June 2005. |