From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vorticella is a genus of protozoa, with over 100 known species. They are stalked inverted bell-shaped ciliates, placed among the peritrichs. Each cell has a separate stalk anchored onto the substrate, which contains a contracile fibril called a myoneme. When stimulated this shortens, causing the stalk to coil like a spring. Reproduction is by budding, where the cell undergoes longitudinal fission and only one daughter keeps the stalk. Vorticella mainly live in freshwater ponds and streams - generally anywhere protists are plentiful.
Other genera such as Carchesium resemble Vorticella but are branched or colonial.
[edit] Common species
- Vorticella campanula
- Vorticella citrina
- Vorticella communis
- Vorticella convallaria
- Vorticella floridensis
- Vorticella limnetis
- Vorticella marina
- Vorticella microstoma
- Vorticella monilata
- Vorticella patellina
- Vorticella similis
- Vorticella smaragdina
- Vorticella sphaerica
- Vorticella striata
- Vorticella submicrostoma
- Vorticella utriculus
Sequence showing the activation of
Vorticella spring and recovery.
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| Movies of Vorticella contracting and extending. Left: Vorticella campanula. Right: Probably Vorticella convallaria at higher magnification. For full resolution click first on image. |
