What are the major characteristics of Ciliophora?
Members of Class Ciliophora have a peculiar system of two nuclei: a small nucleus that contains the full genome, and a larger nucleus that plays the active role in cellular regulation. The larger nucleus is regenerated from the smaller nucleus through a process of gene amplification and gene editing.
What characteristics do alveolates share?
Characteristics. The most notable shared characteristic is the presence of cortical (outer-region) alveoli (sacs). These are flattened vesicles (sacs) packed into a continuous layer just under the membrane and supporting it, typically forming a flexible pellicle (thin skin).
What are two characteristics of ciliates?
All ciliates share two features: a coating of cilia on their cell surfaces and two types of nuclei within single cells. The two nuclei types in each ciliate cytoplasm are different sizes; they are called the micronucleus and the macronucleus.
What do all Alveolata have?
Alveolates have a system of flattened vesicles (alveoli) that closely underlie the plasma membrane, creating a pellicle structure that is composed of three unit membranes.
Is the Ciliophora lineage considered a monophyletic lineage?
Ciliophora is one protistan lineage that was grouped together historically and is still recognized as monophyletic. Cilia are present during some stage of the life cycle in all ciliates, and are arranged in lines (kinities).
What kind of symbionts does a Ciliophora have?
Genera have at least one species with photosynthetic symbionts or sequestered chloroplasts. Members of Class Ciliophora have a peculiar system of two nuclei: a small nucleus that contains the full genome, and a larger nucleus that plays the active role in cellular regulation.
How are the ciliates different from other protozoa?
The ciliates (phylum Ciliophora) form a natural group distinguishable from other protozoa by a number of specialized features, including the possession of cilia, which are short hair-like processes, at some stage in their life cycle, the presence of two types of nuclei, and a unique form of sexual reproduction called conjugation.
How big is a Colpidium colpoda ciliate in size?
C. colpoda is considered an intermediate sized ciliate, typically between 16 and 30 μm long and are dorso-ventrally flattened with several rows of cilia running along the length of the cell. Like many ciliates, it is a heterotrophic bacterivore that ingests bacteria through an oral groove. C.
