Nassula

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Nassula
Nassula sp.
Scientific classification
Domain:
Eukaryota
(unranked):
(unranked):
Alveolata
Phylum:
Subphylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Nassula

Ehrenberg, 1833

Nassula is a

cytopharynx
and into the body of the cell, where they are digested. As the algae are broken down, they can take on a variety of bright colours, which give Nassula a distinctive, variegated appearance under the microscope.

Description

The body is ovoid to elongate, and uniformly ciliated, with a single macronucleus and a partial hypostomial frange (synhymenium) running from the left side of the cell to the oral aperture.[4] When food is scarce, members of the genus have the ability to become dormant by forming a microbial cyst. Excystment can be induced by exposure to a medium inoculated with wild bacteria.[5]

Reproduction

Nassula reproduce asexually, by

micronuclei also undergo mitosis
.

While fission is an asexual process, it may be preceded by

haploid micronuclei are then exchanged from one cell to the other. After sexual exchange has occurred, both conjugants will divide by fission.[7]

Video Gallery

Nassula cell division
Nassula ornata, showing details of cytopharyngeal basket and macronucleus
Nassula consuming oscillatoria through its cytopharyngeal basket.
Nassula, showing bright colours of partially digested cyanobacteria

Species list

References