CHOANOFLAGELLATA Meaning and
Definition
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Choanoflagellata is a phylum of single-celled, flagellated protists that belong to the kingdom Protista. These microscopic organisms are commonly found in freshwater environments, although some species can also be found in marine habitats.
Members of the phylum Choanoflagellata are characterized by the presence of a distinctive collar-like structure composed of microvilli, surrounding a single flagellum. This collar, also called a choanocyte, is responsible for the movement of water and the capture of food particles. Choanoflagellates are filter feeders, using their flagellum to generate currents that draw in water containing small bacteria, algae, and detritus. These food particles are then trapped by the collar's microvilli, where they are subsequently ingested.
Morphologically, choanoflagellates are typically ovoid or flask-shaped, with a single, posteriorly directed flagellum that propels them through the water. The flagellum is surrounded by a collar of microvilli, which gives the cell its characteristic appearance. Choanoflagellates also possess a single nucleus, as well as various types of organelles involved in cellular processes such as digestion, respiration, and excretion.
The ecological importance of choanoflagellates lies in their role as primary consumers in many aquatic ecosystems. They serve as a food source for larger organisms, including planktonic animals and some filtrating invertebrates. Additionally, their unique collar structure and flagellum have drawn significant interest from evolutionary biologists, as they share striking similarities with the cells found in multicellular animals known as choanocytes. This has led to investigations into the evolutionary origins of multicellularity and the potential role
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A subclass of Zoomastigophora, the members of which present a ring or collar of protoplasm around the base of the flagellum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHOANOFLAGELLATA
- xhoanoflagellata
- vhoanoflagellata
- fhoanoflagellata
- dhoanoflagellata
- cgoanoflagellata
- cboanoflagellata
- cnoanoflagellata
- cjoanoflagellata
- cuoanoflagellata
- cyoanoflagellata
- chianoflagellata
- chkanoflagellata
- chlanoflagellata
- chpanoflagellata
- ch0anoflagellata
- ch9anoflagellata
- choznoflagellata
- chosnoflagellata
- chownoflagellata
- choqnoflagellata
Etymology of CHOANOFLAGELLATA
The word "Choanoflagellata" comes from the combination of two Greek words. "Choano" (χοάνη) means "funnel" or "funnel-shaped", and "flagellata" (φλαγελλάτα) refers to flagellates, which are single-celled organisms that propel themselves using whip-like protrusions called flagella. Therefore, "Choanoflagellata" literally means "funnel-shaped flagellates" in reference to the characteristic collar-like structure surrounding the single flagellum found in members of this group.
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