Cafeteria roenbergensis
| Cafeteria roenbergensis | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Phylum: | Heterokontophyta |
| Class: | Bicosoecophyceae |
| Order: | Bicosoecales |
| Family: | Cafeteriaceae |
| Genus: |
Cafeteria Fenchel & Patterson, 1988 |
| Species: | C. roenbergensis |
| Binomial name | |
|
Cafeteria roenbergensis Fenchel & Patterson, 1988 |
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Cafeteria roenbergensis is a small bacterivorous marine flagellate. It was discovered by Danish marine ecologist Tom Fenchel and taxonomist David Patterson in 1988. It is in one of three genera of bicoecids, and the first discovered of two known Cafeteria species. Bicosoecids belong to a broad group that also includes opalinids, diatom, brown and golden algae and oomycetes, known as Heterokonta. It is found primarily in coastal waters where there are high concentrations of bacteria on which it grazes. Its voracious appetite plays a significant role in regulating bacteria populations.
Cafeteria roenbergensis is a slightly flattened, kidney-shaped bicosoecid. Its cell typically measures between 3 and 10 µm and it has a volume of around 20 µm³. It is colorless and has two unequally sized flagella. The smooth flagellum, angled posteriorly, is shorter, and attaches to substrates in non-motile cells, but trails behind in motile cells. The hairy flagellum points forward in an arc in sessile cells. Cafeteria is a eukaryotic organism, so it contains the typical organelles such as and nuclei.
Cafeteria roenbergensis reproduces asexually via binary fission, first replicating the flagella and internal organelles before the cell divides. No sexual activity is known for this species. Cells can replicate in under 10 hours.
Cafeteria roenbergensis is a suspension feeder, meaning it feeds by filtering suspended bacteria, its primary food source, and other particulate matter from the water. Its two flagella facilitate feeding, locomotion and attachment to substrates. The anterior flagellum is responsible for locomotion and feeding. It propels the cell in a swift spiral movement. During feeding, it beats at about 40 times per second to create a current of water that moves about 100 micrometers/second. This current brings bacteria to its mouthparts. The food is ingested below the base of the flagella, which is referred to as the ventral side. In nonmotile C. roenbergensis cells, (cells that prefer to anchor themselves to a substrate) the posterior flagellum helps attach the organism to a substrate while it is feeding. The flagella are anchored by 'rootlets' ribbons and subcellular ropes. They act as a skeleton and also support the mouth region.
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Wikipedia