Massisteria marina
| Massisteria marina | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
| Clade: | SAR |
| Phylum: | Cercozoa |
| Class: | Granofilosea |
| Order: | Leucodictyida |
| Family: | Massisteriidae |
| Genus: | Massisteria |
| Species: | M. marina
|
| Binomial name | |
| Massisteria marina Larsen & Patterson, 1990[1]
| |
Massisteria marina is a
phagotrophic protists that normally feed on bacteria. Individuals live associated with sediment particles and suspended detritus in litoral or marine waters. It is found at marine sites all around the world. Its predominantly sedentary lifestyle was a discovery that challenged the concept of bacterivorous protists as constantly active hunters, and its permanent association with detritus particles is uncommon among flagellates.[2]
Morphology
M. marina are
freshwater species Gymnophrys cometa, which usually has only two pseudopodial trunks but more can arise.[1]
Behavior
M. marina cells often lie within detritus particles, making them difficult to see unless they are left undisturbed for several minutes. The cells frequently appear in clusters, and the pseudopodia of adjacent cells sometimes join.[1] Electron microscopy reveals that adjacent cells in these clusters often share a common, continuous cytoplasm.[2]
M. marina are usually
flagella are inactive. However, under adverse conditions, they switch to a swimming non-feeding phase: the pseudopodia are reabsorbed and the flagella become active, with one flagellum directed forward while the other trails behind.[1][2]
Distribution
M. marina is extremely widespread and abundant. It has been isolated with great frequency from littoral, oceanic and deep waters from
temperate regions.[2] It has been found in Halophila beds in Fiji, Queensland, Panama, Hawaii, Rio de Janeiro, United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, and in sedimenting detritus at oceanic sites.[1]